Las Vegas Floods

We all know it doesn't take that much rain to cause flooding here in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Well, the same holds true for Las Vegas, Nevada. It's here where they're spending more than $1 billion over the next 25 years to control flooding.

For Las Vegas, flash flood season runs from July through September.

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 areas sustaining heavy damage.

Another disastrous and damaging flood hit the northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley on August 19, 2003, causing millions of dollars in damage. Brief but intense thunderstorms flooded parts of the city, creating harrowing scenes in which police helicopters skirted power lines to pluck stranded motorists from the rushing water.

Remarkably, there were no reports of deaths or life-threatening injuries from the storm, which began around 4p.m. and quickly overwhelmed flood control facilities.

Authorities made nearly 60 rescues. In nine of the most daring, police officers dangling from helicopter cables saved motorists, and in one case, firefighters, who were trapped in or atop vehicles.

Experts say the flooding caught most everyone by surprise.

Typical of the Las Vegans who had to be rescued that day, Juliette Lopez thought her car would be able to overcome the swift water.

Well, she was definitely wrong.

"I had the window rolled down, and out of nowhere, the water just starts pouring in," said Lopez, 56, a security guard at Fitzgeralds. "In no time, the water's covering my seats, and then I couldn't see the seats anymore."

As the water quickly moved up her lap, the water outside picked up her sport utility vehicle.

"It was moving so fast," Lopez said. "I went backwards three blocks in the water."

After the SUV crashed into a pole, she was pulled to safety by a Review-Journal photographer. Moments later, the water again overtook her vehicle and it disappeared beneath the torrent.

Lopez was lucky. Most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Never drive through floodwater.

1. Only a few inches of floodwater can wash your car off the road.
2. Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize the dangers of flash floods.
3. Do not let children or pets play near flood control channels or detention basins.
4. Do not camp or park your vehicle near washes or channels.
5. Listen to radio or television for the latest weather updates.

(sources: Journal Review and National Weather Service)