Nye County residents urged to stay home after storm

“Dandelion from Mount Charleston to Unicorn is now closed due to flooding.”

“Water and debris are still running off of Mount Charleston, and there is flowing water on many Pahrump roads.”

“US 95 has water over the roadway in various sections, please proceed with caution if you must travel.”

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office has had a busy day Monday, issuing alerts and updates about the impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary on the community via its Facebook page. 

Nye County—which sits about 60 miles west of Las Vegas and has a population slightly over 50,000—was among the hardest-hit areas of Nevada as the storm moved through the state on Sunday and early Monday. 

The storm’s impacts were widespread; with water, flooding, and debris causing road closures in Pahrump and Amargosa Valley. The Nye County school district also canceled classes on Monday and the Sheriff’s Office urged residents to stay home, if possible. At the time of this publication, southern Nevada remained under a flood watch. 

Anticipating the damage, Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency on Sunday. 

The declaration allows the state, counties and tribes to  receive federal funds to address the harm caused by the storm. 

“My administration will continue to work diligently with state, federal, tribal, and local partners in preparation and response to this severe weather event. Hurricane Hilary represents a serious threat to our communities, and once again, I implore all Nevadans to prepare for flooding, remain vigilant, and to follow all guidance from state and local emergency officials,” Governor Lombardo stated in a press release. 

There’s a lot to clean-up in Nye County and the American Red Cross is offering  help. Trained Red Cross volunteers are providing supplies, including cots, blankets, water and snacks, in Moapa and Clark County locations., The Red Cross shelter at 150 N. Highway 160 in Pahrump is  also currently operational to accommodate individuals displaced by damage and flooding

“Our dedicated staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure that everyone in need has a safe place to stay,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter. “We maintain constant communication with emergency managers and other officials to promptly provide shelters when called upon.”

A second Red Cross shelter, in Searchlight, is also operational to help those in need of a place to stay.

Residents are also encouraged to download the free Red Cross Emergency App to stay prepared for unexpected situations. The app provides real-time weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, and expert advice on floods. It is compatible with smartphones, Apple Watch, and Android wearable devices. To download the app, search for “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.