Tropical Storm Rachel flooding Las Vegas struck the valley on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The storm’s remnants dropped 1.08 inches of rain and sent fast-moving water through streets near the Strip. That total tied the highest one-day October rainfall on record, a mark last reached in 1947. As of Tuesday, October 13, the worst has passed, but forecasters still see a chance of showers and cooler weather.
What Happened in Las Vegas on Sunday
Heavy rain drenched the Las Vegas valley on Sunday morning. Floodwaters spread across the area, stranded cars and forced road closures.
The flooding reached all the way to the Nevada-California state line. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada closed all lanes on Primm Boulevard at I-15.
Closer to the resort corridor, water rushed through the streets near The LINQ Promenade. Visitors and locals stopped to film the flow. Cameras also captured floodwaters near Hotel Rio, and reports of flooding came in from the area around the Sphere.
Police blocked roads near East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, which pushed drivers onto alternate routes. Some drivers still ended up stuck in the water. Crews also helped motorists in standing water on the 215 at Charleston Boulevard.
The RTC later reported all lanes blocked at Winnick Avenue and Koval Lane while Clark County Public Works cleared debris. Traffic cameras showed those lanes open again by Monday morning.
Many residents got an early warning. Some visitors said an alert on their phones woke them with a flooding message.
Record Rainfall by the Numbers
Rain fell from midnight into Sunday morning. The totals varied sharply across the valley, and the west and northwest sides took the brunt.
| Detail | Confirmed Figure |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas rainfall, Sunday morning | 1.08 inches |
| Record status | Tied the top one-day October total, last reached in 1947 |
| Summerlin | Many areas above 1.5 inches |
| Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon | More than 2 inches in parts |
| Valley wind advisory | Gusts of 45 to 55 mph |
| Spring Mountains and eastern Clark County | High Wind Warning, gusts of 60 to 70 mph |
| Water rescues by early Sunday afternoon | About 10 |
The rain also broke the city’s previous record for October 11. Las Vegas averages only a few inches of rain in an entire year, so a single morning like this stands out.
The National Hurricane Center issued its final advisory on the system at 8 a.m. MST Sunday. Forecasters said Rachel had dissipated over the southwestern United States. They warned that the remnants would still bring heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds across the region.
Water Rescues and Emergency Response
Storms led to about 10 water rescues in the Las Vegas area by early Sunday afternoon. Video later showed rescuers reaching a woman stranded on top of her car in fast-moving water. Debris rushed past other partly submerged vehicles in the same footage.
Henderson’s technical rescue team also pulled one person from a stalled vehicle near Moonwalk Terrace and East Paradise Hills Drive.
Local news outlets described dozens of rescue calls tied to the storm. Most involved drivers who tried to cross flooded roads and needed help getting out.
Flash flood warnings covered parts of Clark County, northwestern Mohave County in Arizona and southeastern Lincoln County in Nevada. A flood watch covered the entire Las Vegas valley, including the Spring Mountains, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon.
Why the LINQ Area Flooded So Quickly
The images near The LINQ Promenade shocked many people. The Regional Flood Control District explained part of the picture. Builders designed the LINQ garage in 1970 so water can flow through its first level.
Las Vegas also faces a basic problem. Desert soil absorbs rain poorly, and pavement absorbs none. Tropical rainfall rates can top an inch per hour, so water runs off fast and collects in low spots.
Winnick Avenue near the canal has flooded before, and locals know the spot. This time the water moved quickly enough to close the intersection for hours.
Events and Daily Life Disrupted
The storm also hit plans across the valley. A major three-day outdoor festival canceled its Sunday schedule because of the weather. Wind and rain made outdoor events risky in a city that rarely sees this kind of weather.
The flooding also complicated the morning commute. Drivers who tried to reach work on Sunday ran into police barricades and closed intersections.
Some residents took the rain in stride. A few locals said they welcomed the change from months of sunshine, even as they warned others to stay out of the water.
How Rachel Reached Nevada
Rachel hit Southern California first. Wind, rain and unusually large waves battered the coast over the weekend. Residents along the water in Long Beach had to evacuate. Waves tore apart a historic boardwalk and smashed into coastal homes.
Oceanfront homes in Long Beach and Newport Beach were partly submerged after heavy surf breached sand berms. Rockslides briefly blocked some roads as the storm moved inland.
The National Weather Service then downgraded Rachel to a post-tropical storm. The system moved across the desert Southwest and carried its moisture into southern Nevada. That moisture produced the record rainfall in Las Vegas.
Current Status as of Tuesday, October 13
Rachel itself is gone, but the region’s weather remains unsettled. On Monday, forecasters issued flood watches for large parts of Utah, southeast Idaho, and northern and central Arizona, including the Grand Canyon.
A different weather system, not Rachel, drives that extra rain. A National Weather Service meteorologist said, “We’ve seen the worst of what Rachel brought.” He added that localized flash flooding remained a risk on Monday. Forecasters expect the precipitation to end by Wednesday.
In Las Vegas, a cold front from the Pacific Northwest mixed with Rachel’s leftover moisture. Tuesday brings a 30 percent chance of rain and a high near 70 degrees. That runs roughly 10 degrees below normal for mid-October.
Crews continue cleanup in the hardest-hit areas. Drivers should expect some detours until debris is cleared and washes drain.
Not the First Tropical Visit to Nevada
Tropical systems rarely reach Nevada, but this was not the first time. In 2023, Hurricane Hilary’s approach led Clark County and Gov. Joe Lombardo to declare states of emergency.
Rachel’s remnants arrived with less warning of that kind. They still produced a rain total that matched a record from nearly 80 years ago.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Visitors
Flash floods in Las Vegas move fast and can turn a dry street into a river within minutes. These steps reduce the risk:
- Turn around instead of driving through flooded roads. Just a foot of moving water can float a car.
- Stay away from washes, flood channels and low-water crossings during and after storms.
- Check RTC traffic cameras and alerts for closures before you leave.
- Secure loose outdoor items when a wind advisory is active.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone, since many people got early warnings that way.
Visitors should also check their resort’s updates, because heavy rain can disrupt outdoor attractions and transportation.
What Comes Next
Most of the rain should clear by Wednesday. After that, cooler air and sunshine should return to Southern Nevada.
Officials will likely review the damage and the flood control system’s performance in the coming days. The Regional Flood Control District and Clark County continue to monitor the washes and detention basins.
The Rachel storm shows how quickly a desert city can flood. One morning of rain closed highways, stranded drivers and sent water through the heart of the Strip.
Have you seen Tropical Storm Rachel’s impact in your neighborhood? Share your story in the comments and check back for the latest updates.