NATIONAL NEWS

Snow Forces Closure Of Vegas To Phoenix Route

Feb 21, 2019, 2:24 PM | Updated: Jun 8, 2022, 5:15 pm

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 21:  Snow covers trees during a winter storm on February 21, 2019 in L...

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 21: Snow covers trees during a winter storm on February 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas issued a winter weather advisory for the area overnight. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — The Latest on rare snowfall in the Las Vegas area (all times local):

11:45 a.m.

Authorities have closed the main route between Las Vegas and Phoenix due to heavy snow that has resulted in a 22-mile line of cars and trucks.

The Nevada Department of Transportation reported Thursday that nearly 80 miles of Interstate 11 and U.S. 93 from Boulder City to Kingman, Arizona, was closed.

Officials suggested motorists use U.S. Highway 95 as an alternate between Boulder City and Interstate 40 near Needles, California.

In the Las Vegas area, motorists are being warned about the possibility of icy road conditions into Friday.

Officials say overnight temperatures below freezing could create dangerous black ice conditions for drivers.

The National Weather Service in Las Vegas reported a half-inch (1.3 centimeters) of snow at McCarran International Airport and 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) in western parts of the Las Vegas valley.

It was the first measurable snowfall on the Las Vegas Strip in a decade.

____

9:15 a.m.

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is reporting flight delays of more than two hours and some cancellations due to snow and icy runways.

Airport spokeswoman Christine Crews said Thursday that more than 100 flights have been affected.

Meteorologist Chris Outler says a half-inch (1.3 centimeters) of snow was recorded overnight at the official regional weather station at the airport, which has no snowplows.

It was the first measurable snow at the airport in 10 years, but much less than the 3.6 inches (9.1 centimeters) recorded on Dec. 17, 2008.

Outler says there won’t be enough snow to build snowmen at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. But some suburban foothill areas have several inches.

_____

5:45 A.M.

Las Vegas is getting a rare taste of winter weather, with significant snowfall across the metro area.

It began snowing late Wednesday with the National Weather Service reporting 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of snow at McCarran International Airport as of 4 a.m. Thursday.

The weather service said Las Vegas’ 0.5 inch (1.3 centimeters) of snow Wednesday was the first occurrence of measurable snow for a Feb. 20 since record-keeping began in 1937.

Las Vegas schools remained open Thursday and the Nevada Highway Patrol said some areas had snow and ice but all freeways were open for traffic.

The weather service said total snow accumulations could reach 3 inches on the city’s western and southern outskirts by Friday, though forecasters say rain could reduce snow accumulations.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

President Joe Biden speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2...

Farnoush Amiri, Associated Press

House Republicans invite President Biden to testify at public hearing as impeachment inquiry stalls

House Republicans have invited President Joe Biden to testify before Congress on their stalled monthslong impeachment inquiry.

5 hours ago

FILE - Eggs are displayed on store shelves at a local grocery store in Chandler, Ariz., Jan. 21, 20...

Dee-Ann Burrin, AP Business Writer

What’s keeping egg prices high for Easter? It’s not just inflation

Egg prices are at near-historic highs in many parts of the world as Easter and Passover approach.

7 hours ago

Kia has recalled 427,407 of its Telluride SUVs because they can roll away while in park....

Samantha Delouya, CNN

Kia recalls more than 400,000 Telluride SUVs that can move while in park

All Telluride vehicles made between 2020 and 2023 and certain 2024 models are affected by the recall.

7 hours ago

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock...

John Towfighi, CNN

As cocoa prices soar this Easter, chocolatiers consider alternatives

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock.

10 hours ago

Post reading "Wall Street"...

Stan Choe, AP Business Writer

Stock market today: Wall Street rises to more records to close out its latest winning month

The stock market has been on a nearly unstoppable run since late October, and the S&P 500 just capped its fifth straight winning month.

11 hours ago

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Larry David, comedian, writer, actor, and television producer loo...

Alli Rosenbloom, CNN

Don’t bother Larry David with menial pleasantries. He’s not interested

Just like the version of himself that he plays on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” there are some things in life that Larry David can’t be bothered with.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Snow Forces Closure Of Vegas To Phoenix Route