By: Las Vegas Now Staff
July marks the start of the flash flood season for Southern Nevada and flood control officials say residents should be prepared.
The Clark County Regional Flood Control District met Monday morning to talk about the 2008 flood season which starts July 1 and ends in September.
The county has spent $50 million to build protection in the form of washes, channels and retention basins around the valley.
Floods have killed 31 people in Clark County history which is more than any other natural disaster that has hit Southern Nevada. The last significant flash flood was in 2003 and it caused millions of dollars in damages. Experts say any area of the valley is at risk.
“It's weather conditions that are unpredictable that create sudden and intense thunderstorms and can drop a large amount of rain in a short amount of time. Last year, we had two storms that dropped three inches in rain in 90 minutes with no rain recorded at the airport,” said Gale Fraser, Clark County Regional Flood Control District.
In the past year, The flood control district has finished 11 projects, including retention basins, which direct flood water into Lake Mead. In addition, there are 24 more projects, at a cost of $150 million in the works.
If there's heavy rain, you are advised to stay inside. If you are driving and the water around you rises, you should stay in the car to avoid being swept away.
Be sure to check out LasVegasNOW.com's special section on Flash Flooding.
