PSA 9/22/2026 2:30 p.m.: Heavy Rain Expected as City of Las Vegas Urges Residents to Remain Alert

In anticipation of the incoming rain event, the City of Las Vegas is urging residents to take this weather system seriously, remain vigilant and follow all directions from public safety officials. Several inches of rainfall are anticipated, with rainfall rates expected to be heavy at times, creating the potential for rapidly rising water and flash flooding.

According to the latest National Weather Service Albuquerque briefing, the Las Vegas area is currently forecast to receive approximately 3 to 4 inches of rainfall, with higher amounts possible in some locations. A Flood Watch began today, Tuesday, September 22, at 12:00 noon and has been extended through Thursday, September 24, at 6:00 a.m. Additional extensions or changes to watches, warnings and advisories are anticipated as conditions develop.

Recent rainfall has already left soils very moist to saturated in many areas, meaning additional heavy rainfall may produce runoff more quickly. Areas of concern include the Gallinas River, Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Burn Scar, River Walk, arroyos, drainage channels, low-water crossings, bridges and other low-lying or flood-prone areas.

Please Help Our First Responders by Making Safe Decisions

During this event, it is extremely important that residents use good judgment, follow directions and avoid unnecessary risks. Police, fire and other emergency personnel will be monitoring roadways, bridges, river levels and other areas of concern throughout the community.

Residents should stay away from bridges, the Gallinas River, River Walk and any location with elevated, rising or fast-moving water. Do not gather near these areas to watch the water, take photographs or for recreational purposes.

There will be zero tolerance for individuals entering the river, floodwaters, arroyos or restricted areas for recreational purposes. Barricades, road closures and other restrictions are there for public safety and must be followed.

An unnecessary rescue not only places the individual involved in danger, but also places first responders at risk and can pull critical personnel and equipment away from another resident experiencing a life-threatening emergency. One of the most important ways the public can assist emergency personnel during this weather event is by avoiding hazardous areas, respecting closures and allowing responders to focus resources where they are needed most.

Residents are reminded to:

·       Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Never walk or drive through floodwater.

·       Stay away from bridges, elevated water, rivers, arroyos and drainage channels.

·       Never move or drive around barricades or enter a closed roadway.

·       Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

·       Keep children and pets away from rising or moving water.

·       Keep phones charged and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.

·       Be prepared to move to higher ground if you live in a flood-prone area.

·       Give police, fire, public works and other emergency personnel plenty of room to work.

·       Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.

City officials and public safety personnel are prepared to respond accordingly and will continue closely monitoring rainfall, river levels, road conditions and other areas of concern.

Please do your part. Remain vigilant, follow directions, make smart decisions and do not place yourself or first responders in an avoidable dangerous situation. Conditions can change quickly, so residents should continue monitoring official City of Las Vegas Facebook page and website for updates throughout the event. 

For additional information on flood preparedness, safety tips and what to do before, during and after a flood, residents can visit the Ready.gov Flood Safety Toolkit.

Important Phone Numbers

For non-emergency, weather-related questions between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., residents are asked to call the City of Las Vegas main number at 505-454-1401.Please help keep Police Dispatch lines available for urgent public safety needs by directing general questions and information requests to City Hall during regular business hours.

After 5:00 p.m., residents with weather-related concerns that require assistance may call Las Vegas Dispatch at 505-425-7504, Option 1.

For emergencies or immediate threats to life or property, always call 911.

• City of Las Vegas Police Department: 505-425-7504

• City of Las Vegas Fire Department: 505-425-6321

• City of Las Vegas Utilities: 505-454-3832