1999 Las Vegas flood

Natural disaster in Nevada, United States May 2025 February 2025 1999 Las Vegas flood July 8, 1999 Las Vegas Valley 2 $20.5 million (public property) A severe flood occurred throughout the Las Vegas Valley on July 8, 1999, during the local monsoon season. The storm brought three inches of rainfall to the area, which usually sees only four inches annually. The flood resulted in two deaths, and left some motorists stranded. Police and firefighters conducted 163 rescues throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Flood waters damaged 353 homes and caused $20.5 million in public property damage. It was the most destructive flood in Las Vegas history. A flood control network, developed by the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, was 20-percent finished at the time, helping to mitigate the severity of the flood. Nevada governor Kenny Guinn declared a state of disaster for the area on July 15, 1999. U.S. president Bill Clinton subsequently approved FEMA financial aid to help cover the cost of public property repairs. Background Flash flooding in the Las Vegas Valley is common from July through September, during the local monsoon season.Southern Nevada prepares for two months of storms https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/08/southern-nevada-prepares-for-two-months-of-storms/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 8, 1999 Flooding is caused in part by the presence of non-absorbent hard soil, including caliche.Flood of July 8, 1999, in Las Vegas Valley, southern Nevada https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2000/0080/report.pdf United States Geological Survey January 1, 2023 July 2000 Population growth and ongoing development also contribute to flooding, as the abundance of paved surfaces causes increased water runoff.Flood control still a work in progress https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/26/flood-control-still-a-work-in-progress/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 26, 1999 Storms in 1983 and 1984 prompted the formation of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, which eventually began work on a flood control network.Hawley Tom Las Vegas has history with deadly and dangerous flash flooding https://news3lv.com/news/videos/video-vault-las-vegas-has-history-with-deadly-and-dangerous-flash-flooding January 1, 2023 KSNV August 5, 2021 Flood overview The 1999 flood occurred after several weather systems merged,An Analysis of the July 8, 1999 Las Vegas Valley Flash Flood Event Using the Weather Event Simulator (WES) https://www.weather.gov/media/wrh/online_publications/talite/talite0333.pdf National Weather Service January 1, 2023 with moisture coming from Arizona, northern Mexico and the Gulf of California.Wagner Angie Rains flood Vegas, swallow cars, smash homes, knock down walls https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/08/rains-flood-vegas-swallow-cars-smash-homes-knock-d/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 8, 1999 The storm began on July 8, shortly before 11:00 a.m.,Schoenmann Joe 100-Year Storm http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11526273.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 9, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991008135856/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11526273.html October 8, 1999 and most of the rainfall occurred over the next 90 minutes. Several weather warnings were issued the previous afternoon, advising residents of potential flash-flooding.Papa Paul W. It Happened in Las Vegas: Remarkable Events that Shaped History 2009 Rowman & Littlefield 978-0-7627-5819-7 121–125 https://books.google.com/books?id=ZjhFA2Edu84C&pg=PA121 January 6, 2023 The storm began in the western Las Vegas Valley and gradually moved to the center,Lupiani Joyce July 8th is 20-year anniversary of 100-year flood in Las Vegas https://www.ktnv.com/news/july-8th-is-20-year-anniversary-of-100-year-flood-in-las-vegas January 1, 2023 KTNV July 8, 2019 raining upon flood water which was in the process of making its way downstream. This contributed to the heavy flooding. The storm brought an estimated 28 billion gallons of water.Michor Max Looking back at 1999 Las Vegas flood 20 years later https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/looking-back-at-1999-las-vegas-flood-20-years-later-1701236/ January 4, 2023 Las Vegas Review-Journal July 7, 2019 Rainfall at McCarran International Airport, near the Las Vegas Strip, measured 1.29 inches. However, other parts of the valley received more rain, with up to 3 inches in some areas. The average rainfall for the year is only 4 inches. Flood waters subsided by 4:30 p.m. It was the worst flood since 1984, and it remains the most destructive flood in Las Vegas history.Question of the Day https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/2017-02-16/ January 1, 2023 Las Vegas Advisor February 16, 2017 Although initially reported as a 100-year storm, geologists subsequently determined it to be a 15- or 20-year event based on measurements. At the time, the flood control network was 20-percent finished, with $400 million already spent on the project. Detention basins helped mitigate the severity of the storm.Flood basins, filled to brim, protect property https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/09/flood-basins-filled-to-brim-protect-property/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 9, 1999Zapler Mike Flood control measures avert worse damage http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-11-Sun-1999/news/11535713.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 11, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012070213/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-11-Sun-1999/news/11535713.html October 12, 1999Officials say flood-control system worked https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/aug/13/officials-say-flood-control-system-worked/ January 4, 2023 Las Vegas Sun August 13, 1999 Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman said the 1999 flood would have been "a disaster to end all disasters" if not for the existing flood network facilities. Damage and effects The storm and flood damaged 353 homes and destroyed 5 others.Russell Kiley Minor flooding hits valley, damage assessment efforts continue https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/14/minor-flooding-hits-valley-damage-assessment-effor/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 14, 1999Clinton to make call on flood aid https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/19/clinton-to-make-call-on-flood-aid/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 19, 1999 Many affected homeowners were not insured for flood damage. At the time, only around 12,300 homeowners had flood insurance in the entire state.Padgett Sonya Financial wash: Thursday's flood wipes out insuranceless homeowners https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/12/financial-wash-thursdays-flood-wipes-out-insurance/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 12, 1999 The Flamingo Wash travels west to east across the Las Vegas Valley, serving as a major route for flood water.Lake Richard Flood control serious business http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Jul-21-Sun-2002/news/19236028.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 21, 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020802210346/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Jul-21-Sun-2002/news/19236028.html August 2, 2002 However, the wash was backed up by debris in the eastern Las Vegas Valley. As a result, water flooded onto nearby Boulder Highway, causing extensive road damage.Whaley Sean New Flamingo Wash bridges approved for Boulder Highway http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-28-Wed-1999/news/11644019.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 28, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012081044/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-28-Wed-1999/news/11644019.html October 12, 1999 A particularly hard-hit area was the Miracle Mile Mobile Home Park, located along Boulder Highway. Walls in the Flamingo Wash were eroded by the flood waters; several mobile homes fell over the weakened ledge and into the wash, while others suffered water damage. Of 540 trailers in the park, two dozen were declared uninhabitable.Retrieved January 5, 2023:Bach Lisa Kim Patton Natalie Miracle Mile Mobile Home Park goes from quiet to chaotic http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11528009.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 9, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012062547/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11528009.html October 12, 1999 Russell Kiley Residents of flooded trailer park begin digging out https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/09/residents-of-flooded-trailer-park-begin-digging-ou/ Las Vegas Sun July 9, 1999 Bass Debra D. Mobile home residents begin cleanup amid shock of damage http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11533475.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 10, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012154330/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11533475.html October 12, 1999 Miracle Mile flooding may have been averted https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/aug/06/miracle-mile-flooding-may-have-been-averted/ Las Vegas Sun August 6, 1999 Morrison Jane Ann Lost in a Flash http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Aug-08-Sun-1999/news/11705556.html Las Vegas Review-Journal August 8, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991013083943/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Aug-08-Sun-1999/news/11705556.html October 13, 1999 Firefighters, ambulance workers, and 911 operators were overwhelmed by storm-related emergencies. This included motorists who were left stranded after flood waters stalled their vehicles. Police and firefighters carried out 163 rescues, some by helicopter.Water, Water — But Not Everywhere https://knpr.org/magazine-desert-companion/2019-08-01/water-water-but-not-everywhere Nevada Public Radio January 3, 2023 August 1, 2019Macy Robert $400 million flood control project saves lives, property https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/09/400-million-flood-control-project-saves-lives-prop/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 9, 1999 Several roof collapses also occurred due to the heavy rainfall. The flood resulted in two deaths, including a 91-year-old woman who died in a three-car accident attributed to the waters; a Mercedes-Benz, driven by poker player Shawn Sheikhan, hydroplaned into the woman's vehicle. The other victim, believed to have been a homeless man, died of drowning and was found in the Flamingo Wash.Koch Ed Radke Jace Damage assessed, area braces for more rain https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/09/damage-assessed-area-braces-for-more-rain/ January 6, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 9, 1999Rains threaten more flooding https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/12/rains-threaten-more-flooding/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 12, 1999 Most casinos suffered only minor leaks. The Caesars Palace resort on the Strip saw the worst of the flooding, which forced the day-long closure of a casino pit and the resort's shopping mall, the Forum Shops.Berns Dave Floods barely make trickle in business at area casinos http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11533490.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 10, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991009174502/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11533490.html October 9, 1999Berns Dave Caruso Monica Forum Shops, casino pit at Caesars close http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11527501.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 9, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991008193738/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11527501.html October 8, 1999 Across the street, the parking garage at the Imperial Palace resort saw flood waters rising three feet and was closed for several hours. Both Caesars Palace and the Imperial Palace (now The Linq) are located along the Flamingo Wash, and are frequent sites for flooding.Rogers Keith Damage from worst floods parallels growth http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11525434.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 9, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991008130049/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11525434.html October 8, 1999 The Resort at Summerlin delayed its opening by several days due to minor flood damage.Thompson Gary Flooding delays the opening of the Resort at Summerlin https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/12/flooding-delays-the-opening-of-the-resort-at-summe/ January 5, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 12, 1999Smith Hubble Resort opening delayed http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-13-Tue-1999/business/11545631.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 13, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/20001008063332/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-13-Tue-1999/business/11545631.html October 8, 2000 Approximately 20 departing flights were delayed at McCarran International Airport, and four incoming flights were diverted to other airports outside of the state. The North Las Vegas Airport closed its radio tower for the day after losing power. Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center lost 95 percent of its phone service after a lightning strike. MountainView Hospital closed its birthing and surgical unit due to leaks. Some shows on the Strip were canceled due to the flood, as entertainers had difficulty reaching their venues.Weatherford Mike Shows cannot go on after storm http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11526668.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 9, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991008163731/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11526668.html October 8, 1999 Roughly half of retailers at the Meadows Mall and Boulevard Mall were closed; many store employees were either unable or unwilling to arrive for work because of the flooding, and some stores closed early, allowing workers to return home safely before the weather worsened. Media coverage KNUU, the only radio news station in Las Vegas, suffered a blown circuit at its transmitter site as a result of the storm and was unable to report on the event. However, the flood was widely covered by local television news,White Ken TV offers flood of coverage http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11527197.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 9, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991008175511/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-09-Fri-1999/news/11527197.html October 8, 1999 as well as national news outlets. In response to headlines about the flood, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority issued a statement to media outlets in Southern California and Arizona, emphasizing that the Strip remained open for tourism.Caruso Monica Officials quickly counter bad publicity from flood http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11533981.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 10, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012181926/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11533981.html October 12, 1999 Response and aftermath Nevada governor Kenny Guinn and other elected officials toured flood-damaged areas,Vegas Cleans Up After Storm https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vegas-cleans-up-after-storm/ January 1, 2023 CBS July 8, 1999 including the Miracle Mile Mobile Home Park.Morrison Jane Ann LV woman's loss, strength strike Guinn http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11534636.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 10, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012192058/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11534636.html October 12, 1999 The American Red Cross set up shelter for displaced residents.Rogers Keith Additional storms fail to emerge http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-11-Sun-1999/news/11538277.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 11, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012085637/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-11-Sun-1999/news/11538277.html October 12, 1999Bass Debra D. Flood victims turning to Red Cross for help http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-13-Tue-1999/news/11547778.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 13, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991013103434/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-13-Tue-1999/news/11547778.html October 13, 1999 A day after the flood, the Clark County Commission declared a state of emergency.Schoenmann Joe Flood damage to cost millions http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11535140.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 10, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991009221048/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-10-Sat-1999/news/11535140.html October 9, 1999 Guinn declared a state of disaster for Clark County on July 15, 1999.Packer Adrienne Manning Mary County declared state disaster area https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/15/county-declared-state-disaster-area/ January 6, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 15, 1999Friess Steve Guinn declares emergency, requests federal aid for flood http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-16-Fri-1999/news/11571730.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 16, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/20000118103312/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-16-Fri-1999/news/11571730.html January 18, 2000 Five days later, U.S. president Bill Clinton approved the use of FEMA financial aid to cover the cost of public property damage, which totaled $20.5 million.Nevadans pleased with federal aid for flood damage http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/21/nevadans-pleased-with-federal-aid-for-flood-damage/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 21, 1999Schoenmann Joe Rogers Keith Clinton OKs disaster funds http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-21-Wed-1999/news/11599956.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 21, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991013143132/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-21-Wed-1999/news/11599956.html October 13, 1999FEMA to open disaster relief center for flood victims https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/25/fema-to-open-disaster-relief-center-for-flood-vict/ January 3, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 25, 1999 Without existing flood facilities in place, damages would have exceeded $100 million. The state already had a $4.7 million emergency fund, though it contained only $1.8 million after most of the funds went to the 1997 Nevada floods. FEMA sent 80 reservists to Las Vegas to manage assistance programs.Friess Steve Reservists on watch for disaster http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-30-Fri-1999/news/11660628.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 30, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/19991012135252/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-30-Fri-1999/news/11660628.html October 12, 1999 The agency provided approximately $15 million to cover repairs, while local governments were responsible for funding the remainder. The Small Business Administration approved more than $1 million in disaster aid to cover private property.Flood victims receive first funds from SBA https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/aug/12/flood-victims-receive-first-funds-from-sba/ January 4, 2023 Las Vegas Sun August 12, 1999 Flood waters destroyed sidewalks and washed out roads throughout the Las Vegas Valley, and also forced the closure of several bridges. County workers had nearly 180 repair jobs; some were expected to take a year to carry out.Impact of July 8 flood still felt http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/1999/aug/17/impact-of-july-8-flood-still-felt/ January 4, 2023 Las Vegas Sun August 17, 1999 One bridge did not reopen until three years after the flood.Spencer Street bridge, closed by 1999 flood, is reopened http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jun/26/spencer-street-bridge-closed-by-1999-flood-is-reop/ January 5, 2023 Las Vegas Sun June 26, 2002 In 2000, the county announced plans to improve the Flamingo Wash near the Miracle Mile Mobile Home Park, easing resident concerns about future flooding.Geary Frank Flood Abatement Program: County to bolster wash http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-04-Wed-2000/news/14533612.html Las Vegas Review-Journal October 4, 1999 https://web.archive.org/web/20010628094636/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-04-Wed-2000/news/14533612.html June 28, 2001 Some residents living near the Duck Creek Wash sued the county, alleging that inadequate maintenance of the wash led to residential flooding in the area. In 2003, the county agreed to pay residents $1.1 million.Residents sue county over flood damage from creek http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2000/sep/26/residents-sue-county-over-flood-damage-from-creek/ January 5, 2023 Las Vegas Sun September 26, 2000Johnson Erica D. County to pay $1.1 million to homeowners in '99 flood http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2003/aug/21/county-to-pay-11-million-to-homeowners-in-99-flood/ January 5, 2023 Las Vegas Sun August 21, 2003Packer Adrienne County to pay homeowners $1.1 million for '99 flood http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-21-Thu-2003/news/21990193.html Las Vegas Review-Journal August 21, 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20040922204311/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-21-Thu-2003/news/21990193.html September 22, 2004 In the 10 years following the flood, the regional flood control network was more than doubled in size. The $700 million project increased the number of detention basins, flood channels, and storm drains.Hansen Kyle B. A decade after deadly flood, county better prepared https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jul/08/10-years-after-deadly-flood-county-better-prepared/ January 1, 2023 Las Vegas Sun July 8, 2009 As of 2019, the flood district's master plan was 75-percent finished.Jessie Faith Water Always Wins: Officials warn residents of flash floods ahead of monsoon season https://news3lv.com/news/local/water-always-wins-officials-warn-valley-residents-of-flash-foods-ahead-of-monsoon-season January 1, 2023 KSNV July 8, 2019 At the time, it included 100 detention basins and 648 miles of channels, with $1.9 billion spent up to that point.Gray Luz With harrowing virtual reality video, local authorities educate youth on flood dangers https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/with-harrowing-virtual-reality-video-local-authorities-want-to-educate-youth-on-flood-dangers January 5, 2023 The Nevada Independent July 12, 2019 References External links Photo gallery by KLAS-TV Category:1990s floods in the United States Category:1999 floods Category:1999 natural disasters in the United States Category:Las Vegas Valley Category:Natural disasters in Nevada Category:1999 in Nevada