UPDATE MARCH 6: Officials at Red Rock Canyon reported the closure of the scenic drive due to flooding.
The #redrockcanyon #ScenicDrive will open late on Thursday 3/7 in order to clear all the debris deposited by today’s flooding. We will update after 9am the estimated opening time. pic.twitter.com/ZdBTC8kzTm
— Red Rock Canyon LV (@RedRockCynLV) March 7, 2019
UPDATE MARCH 6: The rain returned to the Las Vegas valley overnight and it has created a bit of a mess.
Rain reports through 10:00 a.m. around 0.25" throughout Las Vegas. Very impressive that 2019's rainfall has nearly surpassed what McCarran measured in all 12 months of 2018! pic.twitter.com/DPayeZUV4S
— Justin Bruce (@just1nbruce) March 6, 2019
Multiple crashes were reported on local roads and interstates in the early-morning hours. Traffic was backed up for at least 30 minutes at one point in the Spaghetti Bowl.
Flood Advisory issued by @NWSVegas for the Spring Mountains. Minor flooding observed in Blue Diamond and Red Rock Canyon. Continues until 12:45 p.m. pic.twitter.com/CKsTjlEO5c
— Justin Bruce (@just1nbruce) March 6, 2019
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area was forced to close their scenic drive because of the heavy rain and runoff.
The Scenic Drive is closed currently with the heavy rain and runoff we’re getting. Based on the forecast, it may stay closed for the day. We’ll update here if that changes, so stay dry and safe in the meantime! pic.twitter.com/oYE1ZkAw6S
— Red Rock Canyon LV (@RedRockCynLV) March 6, 2019
Spring Mountain Ranch also announced that their entry road is flooded and they have closed the park gates.
The entry road is flooded and the park gates are closed! We will post where when we re-open. Be safe! pic.twitter.com/guhFQTl3L3
— SpringMountainRanch (@SpringMntRanch) March 6, 2019
Additionally, Lee Canyon closed the Sherwood Chairlift because of significant snowfall.
UPDATE: Wed. Mar 6th Due to significant snowfall this morning and forecasted heavy snowfall throughout the day, Sherwood Chairlift will not be open. We will keep assessing snow conditions and ski patrol will continue mitigate through this storm cycle. Thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/JxCM7h2Ort
— Lee Canyon (@LeeCanyonLV) March 6, 2019
Snow levels have dropped and that means that what was rain is back to snow at @LeeCanyonLV and the Mt. Charleston Lodge. Additional snow could fall on Friday, and again Sunday into Monday as colder storm systems (albeit with less moisture) move in. pic.twitter.com/4b4fSGskEI
— Justin Bruce (@just1nbruce) March 6, 2019
ORIGINAL STORY
Rain is heading back to the Las Vegas valley this week. It is expected to start Tuesday night.
According to Good Morning Las Vegas meteorologist Justin Bruce, high clouds will lower today and eventually deliver some showers.
Isolated showers this evening turn widespread tonight into Wednesday morning.
Wednesday morning through midday will be wet at times. Las Vegas can expect rain totals around a quarter of an inch but rain could exceed a half inch in Summerlin and into Red Rock Canyon area.
Las Vegas is surrounded by weather warnings. We have a flash flood watch for Indian Springs and Pahrump until tomorrow afternoon. Heavy rain can bring up to an inch of rain in areas of the watch. Strong winds will bring gusts of 40+ mph back in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/RAMHa41YB5
— Dan Bronis (@DanBronis) March 5, 2019
Over 1 inch could fall in the Spring Mountains with several inches of snow about 7,000 feet.
Wind gusts will range from 30-40 mph on Wednesday and temperatures will climb from the mid 50s early to the mid 60s in the afternoon as the rain clears.
CLICK HERE: Current weather radar map.
Thursday looks dry, but still breezy with highs in the mid 60s and a mix of clouds and sun.
Friday looks windy as the next system brings gusts of wind between 25-35 mph and the small chance of a few more rain showers.
High temperatures in the low 60s Friday through next weekend (which is below average for March).
Another spurt of light showers on Sunday could turn to more widespread rain on Monday.
