December storm soaks Las Vegas Valley, mountains see snow
Rain and snow fell across Southern Nevada on Tuesday, with more of both expected through the night as the first major winter storm of the season moved through the region.
Harry Reid International Airport had received .13 inches of rain by 6:30 p.m., the National Weather Service said, with more showers possible.
Rains had arrived in the Las Vegas Valley during the afternoon, primarily hitting the west and northwest parts of the valley before exiting in midafternoon, the weather service said. Rainfall continued into the evening, with “sudden gusty winds” of up to 50 mph, it said.
Some parts of the valley received a quarter-inch of rain, the weather service said.
Mountain areas received a healthy amount of snow, with Lee Canyon at 7 inches by 5 p.m. Other areas in the Spring Mountains were expected to get even more.
About 5 p.m., the Nevada Department of Transportation reported that Lee Canyon Road in the Spring Mountains was closed at mile marker 10 because of heavy snow.
Heavy snow was reported in the afternoon in Nye County. Conditions briefly led to the shutdown of state Route 160 between Las Vegas and Pahrump, but it reopened after crews helped clear the roads.
The moisture and wind will be followed by several days of chilly, below-normal temperatures, with overnight lows in Las Vegas in the mid-30s and daytime highs around 50.
Conditions throughout the day led to hazardous travel conditions. Officials warned drivers heading up to Mount Charleston to use chains for all vehicles, except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires. ^
Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter. Contact Jonah Dylan at jdylan@reviewjournal.com. Follow @TheJonahDylan on Twitter.
