The 1999 flood occurred after several weather systems merged, with moisture coming from Arizona, northern Mexico and the Gulf of California. Storms in 19 prompted the formation of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, which eventually began work on a flood control network. Population growth and ongoing development also contribute to flooding, as the abundance of paved surfaces causes increased water runoff. Flooding is caused in part by the presence of non-absorbent hard soil, including caliche. president Bill Clinton subsequently approved FEMA financial aid to help cover the cost of public property repairs.įlash flooding in the Las Vegas Valley is common from July through September, during the local monsoon season. Nevada governor Kenny Guinn declared a state of disaster for the area on July 15, 1999. A flood control network, developed by the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, was 20-percent finished at the time, helping to mitigate the severity of the flood. It was the most destructive flood in Las Vegas history. Flood waters damaged 353 homes and caused $20.5 million in public property damage. Police and firefighters conducted 163 rescues throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
The flood resulted in two deaths, and left some motorists stranded. The storm brought three inches of rainfall to the area, which usually sees only four inches annually. A severe flood occurred throughout the Las Vegas Valley on July 8, 1999, during the local monsoon season.
