Las Vegas – Four Rescued From Floods After Record Rain

by in News, USA

Record rain caused flash floods in the Las Vegas Valley area on Saturday, 09 April. Local fire fighters were called out to rescue at least 4 people who were trapped in the flood waters.

At around 13:00 local time, National Weather Service (NWS) Las Vegas issued a flash flood warning for much of the Vegas valley until later that day. NWS said:

“Wait floods out; avoid flooded roadways!”

The recent heavy rainfall has already made April 2016 the third wettest April on record in Las Vegas.

Flood Rescues

Clark County Fire Department officials said they responded to several people trapped by storm waters. In a statement, they said that a man became trapped in the flood control channel under the Dean Martin overpass by raising water from a heavy rain. Personnel from Engine 11 lowered ladders to the victim and rigged safety lines downstream as a safety precaution in case the victim was swept away. The victim was rescued uninjured.

Rescue team later found 3 other victims who were trapped in the same flood control channel. Emergency teams were able to safely rescue all three adults, although one sustained a minor leg injury and was was transported to Spring Valley Hospital.

Clark County Fire Department said:

“At this time of year it is important to remind everyone to remain clear of flood control channels and flooded roads. Remember as little 12 inches of moving water can float a vehicle”.

Record Rainfall

NWS Las Vegas said that 0.81 inches of rain fell on 09 April, beating the previous record for that day of 0.17” of 1947.

NWS Vegas also said that as much as 1.03” of rain has fallen so far this April, making it the third wettest April on record so far, behind 1965 (2.44”) and 1941 (1.68”).

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