Flash flooding sends water rushing through streets near Las Vegas Strip

All lanes were blocked at Winnick Avenue and Koval Lane as crews worked to clear debris left behind by flash flooding near the Las Vegas Strip, according to the Regional Transportation Commission. Traffic cameras in the area showed Clark County Public Works crews removing the debris, and the RTC advised drivers to use alternate routes. Earlier, police had blocked roads near East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, forcing motorists onto other streets, though some people still ended up stuck in the floodwaters.

The fast-moving water rushed through streets around The LINQ Promenade, drawing crowds who stopped to record video and photos of the flow. Fred, a local out walking his dogs on his usual route, said the scene resembled a river rather than a roadway. He added that he was caught off guard because he had not heard the rain overnight.

The Regional Flood Control District said the LINQ garage was built in 1970 in a way that allows water to run through the first level of the parking structure. Officials said they try to alert security when conditions could produce flooding of that kind. Fred noted that Winnick Avenue has gone underwater before, and he recalled a previous flood during which he helped a woman who was pinned against a fence over a canal.

Tiffany and Ryan, Las Vegas residents who said they were married Saturday, chose to spend the night at The LINQ and woke Sunday to an alert on their phones warning that flooding was possible. Ryan said he had seen news coverage of past flooding in the area and went to look for himself. Despite the disruption, he said Las Vegas rain is brief and advised people not to be afraid of it.

Even as the water caused problems for commuters, some locals treated the weather as a welcome break from the region's usual sunshine. Officials repeated warnings that people should not attempt to cross flooded roads. The flooding came as the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel moved through Southern Nevada, bringing periods of heavy rain and high winds to the region.