Forecasters warn of high winds, possible snow
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the Las Vegas Valley through Thursday evening.
The forecast also calls for cooler temperatures, rain and possible snow showers Thursday.
Forecasters said the higher elevations of Summerlin and Henderson could see some snow flurries.
The weather service issued a winter storm warning for the Spring Mountains, including Mount Charleston, and the Sheep Mountains. Forecasters are predicting 7 to 14 inches of snow above 4,500 feet and up to an inch of snow at the Red Rock National Conservation Area Visitor Center, around Searchlight and along Nipton Road.
The high temperature at the official weather station at McCarran International Airport is expected to reach 54 degrees today with overnight lows in the high 30s.
"We aren't used to winter weather in our region, so it's a good time to remind our residents to keep some safety tips in mind when it comes to adjusting to cold weather and venturing into the mountains if there's snow," Irene Navis, manager of Clark County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said in a statement.
She issued a list of tips that ranged from dressing warmly and driving more slowly to protecting pipes from freezing by letting faucets drip a little and wrapping them in insulation, such as layers of newspaper.
Forecasters said a cold front pushing south across the southern Great Basin toward the Mojave Desert will be followed by strong northwest to north winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 45 to 65 mph tonight. Stronger winds are possible on the north side of the valley where winds get enhanced by nearby mountains.
Strong winds may blown down trees and power lines and cause property damage, NWS officials said. The winds could create difficult travel conditions with reduced visibility and blowing objects. Drivers of motorcycles, vans, campers and other high-profile vehicles should use extra caution. Boaters in the wind advisory area should use extreme caution or avoid venturing onto area lakes.
The weather service warned homeowners to secure trash cans, Christmas decorations and outdoor furniture.
A dust advisory has been issued through Thursday evening.
Clark County officials are advising residents to be aware of blowing dust due to high winds, expected to reach 25 mph to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Unhealthy levels of dust were not occurring Wednesday morning.
Airborne dust is a form of air pollution, which aggravates respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma.
Officials advise children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases to stay indoors during dust storms.
WINTER STORM TIPS
• Stay tuned to local TV or radio stations or NOAA Weather Radio for weather information.
• Use extreme caution while driving in ice or snow.
• Drive slowly and allow for greater braking distances.
• Accelerate and brake gradually.
• If coming from remote areas, drive with a full tank of gas and a cell phone. Also carry blankets, water, and sustainable food.
• If you are stuck in a vehicle, stay in your vehicle and wait for help. Make the vehicle visible to rescuers. Tie brightly-colored cloth (preferably red) on your antenna or door.
• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm, about 10 minutes each hour. Carbon monoxide can build up inside a standing vehicle while the engine is running.
• Stay indoors and wear warm clothes.
• When outside in cold temperatures, dress to stay dry and to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia. Wear warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in layers. Outer garments should be tightly-woven, water repellent and have a hood.
• Protect pipes from freezing by:
• Wrapping pipes in insulation or layers of newspaper and then covering them with plastic to keep out moisture.
• Letting faucets drip a little.
• Operate space heaters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
• Do not use charcoal grills inside or in attached garages.
• Never use a portable generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, including inside your home, garage, basement, or crawl space – even in areas with ventilation.
• Always locate portable generators outdoors away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide (CO) to come indoors.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home that meets safety standards. Battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup also are available.
Source: Clark County Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
