On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, a sudden and severe windstorm swept through the Las Vegas Valley, unleashing gusts up to 70 miles per hour and causing widespread power outages, structural damage, and travel disruptions across Clark County. The powerful winds, identified by meteorologists as "virga bombs" or "dry microbursts," knocked down more than 60 electric poles, leaving over 20,000 NV Energy customers without electricity by the evening.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Clark County around 3:30 p.m. PDT, cautioning residents about damaging winds capable of harming roofs, trees, and power infrastructure. These virga bombs occur when rain evaporates before reaching the ground, cooling the air and triggering sudden, intense downdrafts that produce destructive surface-level wind gusts. In this instance, wind speeds reached 70 mph in parts of the valley, including Henderson, with Harry Reid International Airport recording gusts of 60 mph.
The storm’s ferocity was evident in the damage it left behind. NV Energy reported that nearly 50 power poles were damaged and would need to be replaced, with crews working tirelessly through the night and into the following day to restore power. By 7 p.m. on July 1, approximately 272 outages were recorded, affecting 20,485 customers, primarily in the east side and central areas of Las Vegas. The number of outages gradually decreased overnight, but as of 9 a.m. on July 2, around 2,857 customers remained without power due to 93 ongoing outages.
NV Energy spokesperson Meghin Delaney acknowledged the scale of the damage in an email, stating, "While our teams will work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, the damage is significant and will take time to restore. Our teams will continue to work throughout the evening and in the coming days to make necessary repairs." Additional crews were called in to provide relief and expedite the restoration process, and efforts were focused on isolating outages to affect the smallest number of customers possible during repairs.
The windstorm also caused significant disruptions beyond power outages. Flights departing from Las Vegas experienced delays ranging from one hour and one minute to one hour and fifteen minutes, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Video footage shared by local news viewers showed dust swirling around planes on the tarmac, a testament to the storm’s intensity. In addition, a dust storm warning was issued from approximately 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., with warnings of zero visibility. Clark County’s Division of Air Quality issued a dust alert, urging vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions to take precautions and remain indoors if possible.
Roadways were also affected by downed power lines and poles. Power lines were reported down near Eastern and Sahara avenues, leading to the closure of all eastbound lanes. Police were on scene near Tropicana Avenue and Pecos Road, with drivers advised to avoid these areas and seek alternate routes. RTC Southern Nevada likewise reported downed power lines on Flamingo Road at Burnham Avenue. In some locations, fallen light poles and overturned tents were reported, reflecting the widespread nature of the wind damage.
In response to the outages and the ongoing heat, Clark County’s Office of Emergency Management and partner agencies activated all cooling sites to provide relief to affected residents. Pets were also accommodated at these cooling centers, provided they were in appropriate containers. An emergency shelter was established at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) in South Hall, Room S2, with parking available in the Silver Lot on Joe W. Brown Drive. Transportation to the shelter was arranged through the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), with buses running continuously from Walmart at 3075 E Tropicana Avenue until 2 p.m. on July 2.
Animal Protection Services provided kennel space at the convention center to help ensure that pets and their owners could stay together during the emergency. Residents were advised to bring suitable containers or kennels for their animals. Those with pets other than dogs or cats, or with unique pet needs, were encouraged to contact Animal Protection Services directly. Additionally, medical transport to the shelter was available through RTC’s Paratransit service by calling 702-228-4800 and selecting option #3.
NV Energy customers were encouraged to sign up for outage alerts through the company’s MyAccount online portal to stay informed about restoration progress. Meanwhile, Clark County officials continued to coordinate resources to assist those impacted by the outages, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for an extended power disruption given the significant damage to the electrical infrastructure.
The storm’s swift onset and destructive impact served as a stark reminder of the unique weather phenomena that can affect the arid Southwest, where dry microbursts can cause sudden and severe damage without the typical heavy rainfall associated with thunderstorms. Residents and officials alike are now focused on recovery efforts, with crews working diligently to replace damaged poles and restore power to thousands of homes and businesses.
As the community rallies to overcome the aftermath of the July 1 windstorm, the response highlights the resilience and coordination among utility workers, emergency responders, and local agencies committed to ensuring safety and restoring normalcy. While the power outages and associated damage have posed significant challenges, the swift mobilization of resources and support services offers hope that full recovery is on the horizon.
