99-M.P.H. Winds Batter Planes in Vegas

A thunderstorm gusting up to 99 m.p.h. destroyed or damaged at least 55 planes at two airports and wrecked two hangars, causing more than $14 million in losses, authorities said today.

The storm Tuesday evening also knocked out power to 40,000 homes and businesses.

About 10 aircraft were heavily damaged, and one plane was blown about 200 feet at McCarran International Airport, an airport spokesman said today. A number of aircraft were flipped, and two corporate hangars were destroyed.

Sky Harbor Airport in nearby Henderson was also hit, and a spokeswoman said damage to private aircraft at that facility will run “in the millions.”

No injuries were reported from the thunderstorm, which hit about 5:30 p.m.

Nevertheless, residents were rattled by the fierce winds and rain.

“It was out of control. We could not see out of the windows of our agency,” said Karen Kerr, who was working at Golden Valley Travel.

The National Weather Service reported that its instruments recorded winds up to 90 m.p.h. just before lightning knocked out phone and electrical service about 6 p.m. Most service was restored by 10 p.m.

George Feick, supervisor of the control tower at McCarran, said FAA equipment registered one gust at 99 m.p.h.--the highest wind speed ever recorded in the Las Vegas Valley.

“It was nasty,” Feick said. “The tower was swaying quite a bit.”