Winter Storm Warning Issued for Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon Through Friday Morning

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Southern Nevada

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon, forecasting heavy snow and wind gusts up to 40 mph starting Thursday morning.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon. The alert was officially issued on February 18 at 6:25 PM PST and remains in effect until early Friday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon region. Specific impacts are expected along State Routes 156, 157, and 158, as well as State Route 160 through Mountain Springs. State Route 159 along the Red Rock Scenic Loop is also within the affected zone.

What You Should Do

Travel is discouraged as roads will likely become slick and hazardous. If you must travel, the National Weather Service advises keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Residents and travelers should call 5-1-1 for the latest road information and monitor conditions closely.

Expected Conditions

Heavy snow is expected across the region with accumulations varying by elevation:

  • Above 8,000 feet: Total snow accumulations exceeding 1 foot.
  • Above 7,000 feet: 6 to 12 inches.
  • Above 6,000 feet: 4 to 8 inches.
  • Above 5,000 feet: 1 to 4 inches.

In addition to the snowfall, wind gusts are expected to reach as high as 40 mph. These winds may cause blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility, making travel treacherous or potentially life-threatening. State Route 159 could see 1 to 2 inches of snow accumulation directly on the roadway.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning is effective starting at 10:00 AM PST on Thursday, February 19. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist until the warning expires at 4:00 AM PST on Friday, February 20.

Source: NOAA Official Notice