Powerful thunderstorms dumped as much as three inches of rain on parts of Las Vegas and Henderson this evening. The torrential downpour caused flash floods that trapped motorists atop their cars and swamped some neighborhoods primarily in the northwest section of the city.
Rushing water closed southbound lanes of U-S 95, though some northbound lanes of the highway that links Las Vegas and Reno remained open.
No injuries were reported.
A search and rescue helicopter had to pluck at least two people and four firefighters from the tops of their cars and fire engine. Some three thousand customers in the city's northwest briefly lost power. Power was restored to all but about three hundred within a few hours.
Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved
Flood Information
Residents can find updated information through the City of Las Vegas' website www.kclv.tv or www.lvalert.com.
Residents who do not have computer access can also call 382-ALERT or 382-5378 or tune into KCLV cable channel 2.
If any residents are in need of shelter, please call: 229-0372.
Residents are asked to call 911 in the case of an absolute emergency. For a non-emergency residents may call 311.
