Las Vegas NowFlash Flood Information

Flash Flood Information

We all know it doesn't take too much rain to cause flooding in the Las Vegas Valley. Clark County is spending more than $1 billion over the next 25 years to control flooding.

Flash flood season runs from July through September. As it gets under way, city, county and state leaders want to make sure Valley residents know just how dangerous it can be.

Flash flooding has caused millions of dollars in damage in recent years. In August of 2004 and January of 2005, the Las Vegas Valley experienced flash flooding with Mesquite and Overton sustaining heavy damage.

Another diasterous and damaging flood hit the northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley on Aug. 19, 2003, causing millions of dollars in damage.  Several stranded drivers had to be rescued. Read the Search and Rescue Mission Report: Aug. 19, 2003: Multiple Swiftwater Rescues (includes photos).

In 1999, the Valley experienced one of the worst floods in its history. More than three inches of rain fell in less than two hours. Read the Search and Rescue Mission Report: July 8, 1999: Rescue Swiftwater Victims in Las Vegas, NV (includes photos). 

Get the Latest Neighborhood Weather
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program
Is Your House in a Flood Zone?

Flood Safety Tips:

• Flash Flood Season is July through September but flash floods can happen at any time of the year without warning. Never drive across flooded roadways or around barricades. Plan alternate routes to get to and from your destination.
• Most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Never drive through floodwater.
• Only a few inches of floodwater can wash your car off the road.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flash floods.
• Do not let children or pets play near flood control channels or detention basins.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle near washes or channels.
• Listen to radio or television for the latest weather updates.

Check the Regional Flood Control District’s website at www.ccrfcd.org real time rainfall information at more than 100 locations around the valley. The site also includes current weather information and flood zone information. 

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue (LVMPDSAR)

"Ninety percent of the rescues we do, whether it's in floodwaters or at Red Rock Canyon, is because someone made a bad decision," said Bill Cassell from Metro Search and Rescue.

Officials are also hoping to get the message out with billboards around town.

"You see those floodwaters; they look inviting. Kids go out and play in them, and the consequences could be devastating to the family," said Congresswoman Shelley Berkley

Legislation is also being written that will propose to make it a misdemeanor if drivers don't obey traffic-control devices. For example, if a driver goes around a road block and has to be rescued, the driver would be responsible for the cost.

For more information about flood zone status and flood insurance refunds, log on to the Regional Flood Control District’s website at www.ccrfcd.org.

Clark County Regional Flood Control District

The District was created in 1985 to develop a coordinated and comprehensive Master Plan to solve flooding problems, to regulate land use in flood hazard areas, to fund and coordinate the construction of flood control facilities, and to develop and contribute to the funding of a maintenance program for Master Plan flood control facilities.

Find public information programs
Flood information for children
Upcoming Flood District meetings

Visit the History of Flooding area to view historical information about rain and flooding, or the Rainfall and Weather area to find up-to-the-minute readings from weather gauges around Clark County.

To see if your property is in a flood zone use FloodZone, or to view drainage studies, current and proposed flood control facilities, and parcel information.