Monsoon storms return to Southern Nevada; I-15 briefly closes
For the second time this month, monsoon storms created some problems in Southern Nevada on Thursday, albeit briefly.
The northbound lanes of Interstate 15 were briefly closed at Primm about 5 p.m. because of flooding from a thunderstorm.
Also, during a storm, a crash briefly caused the closure of the southbound lanes at Jean, about 12 miles north of Primm, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada said on X.
By 6 p.m., all lanes of I-15 were re-opened. Primm is about 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas.
The National Weather Service said more than 1 inch of rain had fallen in the Primm area in a 20-minute span before 5 p.m.
Most of the Las Vegas Valley saw little to no rain Thursday despite a severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood watch. However, a round of light showers moved through parts of the valley late in the evening.
On July 2, portions of the eastern valley saw a strong dust storm bring 70 mph winds that snapped trees and power poles, blocking roads and causing widespread power outages.
Update:
I-15SB at Jean is now open pic.twitter.com/h3iiiQUjxu— RTC Southern Nevada (@RTCSNV) July 18, 2025
More storms Friday
There’s a 50 percent chance of storms, primarily in the afternoon, the NWS said. High temperatures should stay in the mid-90s, below normal for mid-July.
In a post on X, the NWS said “a low-pressure system developing off the coast of Baja California will spread moisture into the region.”
Airport showers
The last time Harry Reid International Airport saw measurable rain was May 6, according to Chris Outler of the NWS. But the airport did record a trace amount of rain in early May and early June.
The average July rainfall at Reid is 0.38 inches.
For 2025, the airport has seen 2.05 inches. The average is 2.27. A normal rainfall year in Las Vegas is 4.18 inches, Outler said.
2025 rain events
July 2: Some showers fell across the area but a strong dust storm caused widespread power outages in the east valley.
June 5: In a rare event for June, showers caused a few disruptions across the valley.
May 6: An “exceptionally rare” May storm shattered rain records.
March 17: Strong winds and a few showers swept through the valley on St. Patrick’s Day.
March 5: A Pacific storm brought light rain to parts of the valley. The nearby mountains saw snow.
