Las Vegas under state of emergency as Tropical Storm Hilary approaches
Clark County, Nevada issued a state of emergency Sunday as Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to bring significant rainfall and flooding to the Las Vegas area, Southern California and the Southwest region.
“In anticipation of potential for significant rainfall and flooding from #HurricanHilary, especially in rural areas, County Manager Kevin Schiller has declared a State of Emergency for #ClarkCounty to ensure additional resources are available should they be needed,” Clark County Nevada wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall on Sunday along Mexico’s Baja coast and carried torrential rain into Southern California. Flash flood warnings are in effect for several areas around Las Vegas, according to the National Weather Service of Las Vegas.
The City of Las Vegas said it is expecting periods of heavy rain and strong winds through Monday, according to a post from the city on X.
Clark County officials said Sunday certain roads in the rural area of the county were closed due to flooding as residents picked up thousands of sandbags to combat flooding. Drivers are urged to turn around if they see flooding in the roadways, the National Weather Service of Las Vegas said.
Forecasters said Hilary is the first tropic storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, with at least 9 million people under flash-flood warnings, according to the Associated Press. Forecasters predict Hilary could become one of the wettest known tropical cyclones to hit some Western states, including Nevada, Oregon and Idaho.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) said over the weekend he activated 100 Nevada National Guardsmen to support southern Nevada. He said Sunday he is urging all Nevada residents to “take this threat seriously,” and “prepare for severe weather."
Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada said it will remain closed through at least Monday as they evaluate the weather conditions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.