Severe Weather Disrupts Travel in Las Vegas Valley

Storms bring wind and rain, leading to delays on roads and at airports.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A series of powerful winter weather systems, including strong winds and heavy rain, is moving through the Las Vegas Valley, causing significant travel disruptions across the region on Monday.

Why it matters

Las Vegas is known for its mild, sunny climate, so severe winter weather is an uncommon occurrence that can catch residents and visitors off guard, leading to transportation challenges and potential safety concerns.

The details

The storms have brought gusty winds, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, as well as heavy rainfall that has flooded some roadways. This has led to numerous accidents and closures, resulting in delays for both drivers and air travelers trying to get in and out of the Las Vegas area.

  • The severe weather began moving into the Las Vegas Valley early Monday morning.
  • The wind and rain are expected to continue throughout the day, with the worst conditions forecast for the afternoon and evening commute.

The players

Las Vegas Valley

The Las Vegas metropolitan area, which includes the city of Las Vegas and surrounding suburbs and communities.

National Weather Service

The government agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel if possible, and those who must be on the roads should exercise extreme caution.”

— John Smith, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (fox5vegas.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory and flood watch for the Las Vegas Valley, which will remain in effect until late Monday evening. Conditions are expected to gradually improve on Tuesday as the storm system moves out of the region.

The takeaway

While severe winter weather is uncommon in Las Vegas, this storm serves as a reminder that the city's infrastructure and transportation systems can be vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness and resilience planning for local officials and residents.