70-M.P.H. Winds Knock Out Power in Las Vegas Area
Winds gusting more than 70 m.p.h. raked the Las Vegas Valley on Thursday, knocking out power, disrupting gaming, blowing down signs and sinking at least four private boats on nearby Lake Mead.
High winds and even some light rain were reported in the Los Angeles area during the day as the result of a storm system gaining strength at is moved east from the Pacific Northwest.
All three Las Vegas television stations were knocked off the air at various times and air traffic at busy McCarran International Airport was halted for a time.
National Park Service rangers posted flags warning boaters of gale-force conditions on Lake Mead, where winds ranged from 65 to 70 m.p.h.
Power was out for a time in much of downtown Las Vegas and power surges were reported in some hotels on the Strip. However, the major hotels and casinos used auxiliary power.
In the Ridgecrest area of the Tehachapis, winds were clocked at 90 m.p.h. and some minor damage to the roofs of some homes was reported, but there were no injuries.
Drizzle and even some light rain was reported in several foothill communities in the Los Angeles Basin, including Arcadia and Glendora.
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