Winds kick up dirt as storm powers through Pahrump

As dust clouded the Pahrump area skies, the National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for residents throughout Southern Nevada until 9 . this evening.

The warning also covered parts of Esmeralda and central Nye counties, including Beatty, Goldfield, Silver Peak and Dyer where residents could see significant wind conditions.

Additionally, a dust storm warning was issued Thursday afternoon where visibility was extremely limited during the afternoon hours.

Crews from Valley Electric Association were scrambling on Thursday to address wind-related power outages throughout the day, as power outages were reported in Pahrump, Amargosa Valley, Beatty and Fish Lake Valley.

The utility issued a news release stating more than 2,000 customers experienced momentary power “blinks,” or brief power interruptions designed to prevent longer power outages.

Roughly 120 members experienced outages lasting longer than a few minutes in Pahrump.

Wind gusts up to 60 mph were recorded in Nye County, where officials said all of the outages were wind-related.

Outage at school

A brief power outage disrupted studies at Manse Elementary School on Thursday morning.

The incident was the result of a malfunctioning electrical transformer, which caused a tree and grounds cover fire just before 9 a.m.

Nye County School District Superintendent Dale Norton released a statement on social media to explain the situation.

“As a precautionary measure, both the Nye County Sheriff’s Office and the fire department were informed and dispatched to the school,” Norton said. “Valley Electric Association responded. The school principal, an associate superintendent and a transportation supervisor were all notified and responded.”

Norton noted that power was eventually restored on campus roughly 20 minutes later.

“Everyone’s commitment to the health and safety of people and property is obviously in the forefront,” he said.

“The issue has been resolved, everyone is safe and power has been restored. I’d like to thank the Nye County School District staff, Manse Elementary staff, Valley Electric Association, along with the sheriff’s office and Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue for the immediate response to the situation at Manse Elementary School this morning,” Norton said.

The gusts contributed to at least three semi-truck rollovers in the Las Vegas area along Interstate 15 due to the high winds on Thursday.

All lanes were blocked, while motorists traversed the scene by way of the highway’s shoulder.

Weather service officials also reminded residents to secure loose objects on their property.

Temporary structures such as tents and patio furniture should be dismantled to avoid damage.

Individuals with respiratory problems are advised to remain indoors if possible.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes