LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — High winds expected to blow through Southern Nevada this weekend prompted a warning from forecasters and a response from NV Energy.
In some areas, wind gusts of 60 mph or higher are expected. The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch that extends beyond Clark County into points north and south, including Mohave County and Barstow.
The most intense winds are expected in Clark County, Pahrump, Primm, Baker and Barstow from Saturday morning into Sunday afternoon.
The National Weather Service warns residents and visitors to expect blowing dust and debris, strong crosswinds, wind damage and dangerous waves for those planning a visit to lakes Mead, Mohave or Havasu.
While maximum wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected, the majority will be in the 35-to-55 mph range, according to the National Weather Service. The Clark County Division of Air Quality has also issued a dust advisory for Saturday and Sunday due to the potential for "elevated levels of blowing dust".
News of yet another high wind alert in Southern Nevada prompted a response from NV Energy, which sent an email to customers on Thursday.
"NV Energy is carefully monitoring weather conditions and taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and security of our communities and our infrastructure," the company stated. "Our crews are prepared and on standby to respond quickly and safely to any power outages caused by this extreme weather."
Here's what NV Energy says you can do to be prepared in case of a power outage:
- Log in to MyAccount [email.nvenergy.com] to ensure your mobile phone number is listed on your account and that you are enrolled in outage alerts.
- Visit nvenergy.com/outageprep [email.nvenergy.com] for tips on how to prepare for a power outage.
- Report outages at nvenergy.com/outage [email.nvenergy.com].
- Call 911 if you encounter a downed power line, and do not approach or touch the line.
Channel 13 is tracking a list of event cancellations and postponements due to dangerous weather.
Lovers & Friends Festival
On Friday night, organizers for the Lovers & Friends Festival said the festival has been canceled.
"Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow's Lovers & Friends Festival," organizers said in a statement on Facebook. "This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months. We've worked hard to create an amazing event for you and we are just as disappointed as you are."
Fans who purchased tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund in 30 days.
Lovers & Friends Festival has unfortunately been canceled due to dangerous weather predicted for Saturday. Fans who purchased tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days. For more info: https://t.co/ip1MLPJL0m pic.twitter.com/Koo5ZirzmG
— Lovers & Friends Festival (@lvrsnfrndsfest) May 4, 2024
Several artists posted messages to fans saying they understand the decision but are disappointed.
"We are so bummed out because we just heard that the Lovers & Friends festival is canceled today. We were like what do you mean," Alicia Keys said in an Instagram story. "But obviously, with the wind the way that it is, it could get dangerous and we can't put anybody at risk for being hurt. But when I tell you how excited I was to see my friends, to catch these shows ... the set I was about to do. We're sad. But we love you. Thank you so much for coming through, for being understanding that we want to make sure that it's a safe thing. I love you so much and I feel the same way you do."
Mannn…I’m just as disappointed as you are. We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today. I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason. I’m sorry…
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) May 4, 2024
Lovers & Friends. The winds r like THAT??! 😱😤💨🌬️
— Joanna (@iamjojo) May 4, 2024
Can’t believe a whole festival (w THAT lineup) was cancelled - & that I won’t c u out there. We put so much into this show & i was so excited. But it’s way more important ppl don’t get blown tf over by 1 billion mph winds.
Big bear hug to anyone who flew in for the show & were planning 2 see me as part of your festival sched. We make plans and God is like hold onnn just one second there buddy. I believe things happen 4a reason. New things to share with you soon. I love you. I miss you 🥹😝🙂↔️ 🍀
— Joanna (@iamjojo) May 4, 2024
Keri Hilson also said she was disappointed.
"Las Vegas, Lovers & Friends, I guess I'll see you guys on tour," Hilson said in an Instagram story. "We're sorry. We're sorry. We're sorry though. We're sorry. You had expectations. We had expectations. We feel a way about this, just like you do. But it's an act of God and sometimes you just have to take heed before anyone takes hurt, anyone dies. There's real risk involved with putting on shows and I respect nature."
Due to the festival being canceled, some artists are finding other venues to perform at.
On Friday, Ludacris performed at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World.
On Friday night, Ashanti, Ja Rule, and Akon also performed at LIV at the Fontainbleau.
Fabolous performed at Drai's Nightclub on Friday night.
On Saturday, Snoop Dogg posted that "DJ Snoopadelic" will be performing at the Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World at noon.
Meantime, Rick Ross is performing over at Drai's Beachclub.
Lil Wayne is scheduled to perform at Drai's Nightclub on Saturday night.
On Sunday, Mario will be performing. at Drai's Beach Club and Ne-Yo will be performing at Drai's Nightclub at The Cromwell.
Vice President's Visit
On Saturday morning, the White House stated that Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Las Vegas was canceled due to inclement weather.
Servehzah Bottle Shop's Cinco Con Servhzah Event
The Servehzah Bottle Shop and Tap Room is postponing their Cinco Con Servhzah Event due to the weather.
Event organizers said they are rescheduling the event to next Saturday, May 11th.
Ticket holders will be able to get in next weekend and organizers are also offering refunds to guests who can't make the new date.
L'Etape Las Vegas by Tour de France
The L'Etape Las Vegas by Tour de France has been canceled.
According to the LVCVA and Las Vegas Events, the event was canceled due to unsafe course conditions caused by high winds.
"We are extremely disappointed to announce the cancellation," said LVE President Tim Keener. "We have been in consultation with local officials and followed the models presented by the National Weather Service, as of 5 p.m. today. Due to the forecasted high winds above the allowable thresholds, we had no choice but to cancel the event for the safety of the riders, staff, volunteers and vendors."
Riders will receive an automatic registration to the 2025 event.
