Las Vegas dust storm chaos leaves 27000 without power as 70 mph winds snap dozens of poles

Las Vegas faced a weather event straight out of a thriller on Tuesday as intense wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour swept through the valley, bringing with it thick dust clouds, downed power lines, and widespread blackouts that impacted over 27,000 residents.

Just before 4 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a dust storm warning for central Clark County, urging locals to avoid travel and stay indoors. The alert came as reports of winds gusting over 60 mph surged through the city, leaving chaos in their wake.

At the intersection of Sahara Avenue and Atlantic Street, multiple power poles were ripped down by the powerful gusts, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Clark County Fire Department and local law enforcement. Roads were shut down in the affected zones to prevent accidents and allow repair crews safe access.

As of 7 p.m., officials confirmed 50 power poles had been damaged, with NV Energy deploying additional emergency crews to restore electricity across the region.

“We’re actively working with NV Energy to assess damages and provide resources for impacted communities,” said a spokesperson from Clark County officials.

The thick dust storm was visibly intense near Cactus Avenue and Valley View Boulevard, where residents shared footage of low visibility and howling winds. Many took to social media, with some tagging @NWSVegas to report local conditions and damage.

As the sun set, power outage reports hit a high of 232 incidents, cutting electricity to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. According to NV Energy, the number of customers without power fluctuated throughout the afternoon as damage assessments were underway.

Residents are being advised to stay indoors, keep devices charged, and avoid driving in areas still experiencing high winds or blowing dust.

This is a developing situation, and more updates are expected as cleanup crews continue their work. Follow FOX5 Vegas and NV Energy on X (Twitter) for the latest advisories.