Dangerous winds closed Sunset Park on Sunday, ending the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival a day early. Las Vegas matched its October daily rainfall record as showers continued to threaten the valley.
By Sunday, forecasts called for gusts of up to 55 mph at Sunset Park.
High winds and heavy rain forced the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival to cancel its final day on Sunday, October 11. The three-day festival ran Friday and Saturday. Every Sunday performance and vendor booth was canceled, and the festival grounds remained closed. Clark County confirmed the shutdown, citing the danger high winds posed to temporary structures and people at the event.
Las Vegas recorded 1.08 inches of rain, matching the city’s October daily record set on October 12, 1947. More showers were possible before the day ended.
Organizers also allowed people with Sunday tickets to use them to attend the festival on Saturday.
Wind Shut Down Sunday Events
Clark County said updated forecasts called for gusts up to 55 mph. County Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Almeido said operating in those conditions posed unacceptable risks around temporary structures and outdoor installations. Attendees faced danger. So did performers. Staff and vendors were also at risk. Almeido said the safety of participants and staff was the priority. Partners were included too.
Organizers began arranging refunds for Sunday ticket holders. Instructions were expected within 24 to 48 hours. Visitors were directed to the festival’s official website and social media channels for updates.
Las Vegas’ October calendar also includes four residency dates at Dolby Live. That separate scheduled event was unaffected by the festival shutdown.
The flash-flood threat extended beyond Las Vegas after the heavy rain. The Associated Press reported that more rain and isolated thunderstorms were forecast across parts of the Southwest, with precipitation expected to taper off by Wednesday.
Rainfall Reaches Record Territory
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1.08 inches fell in Las Vegas from midnight into Sunday morning. That broke the daily precipitation record of 0.78 inches set in 2012 and equaled the October daily mark established in 1947. Additional rain could push the total above the October record.
Rain totals varied across the valley. Harry Reid International Airport recorded 0.75 inches, its wettest day in more than a year, FOX5 Vegas reported. Some gauges around Centennial Hills measured more than 2.5 inches.
A separate 24-hour tally cited by the Nevada Globe from National Weather Service data ranged from about 1.10 to 2.45 inches across Clark County. The tally put the airport at 1.28 inches and the area near Red Rock Canyon/West Valley at 2.45 inches. Henderson/Green Valley recorded 1.62 inches.
The rain narrowed the city’s year-to-date deficit. Before Sunday, Las Vegas had received 1.10 inches since January, compared with a normal year-to-date total of 3.20 inches.
Flood and Wind Alerts Continue
The National Weather Service placed the Las Vegas Valley under a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory through 5 a.m. Monday, October 12. Earlier flash flood warnings covered parts of the valley, including western Las Vegas, where a warning expired at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. The NWS said moisture left by tropical storm Rachel continued to support a threat of heavy, potentially excessive rain across the Southwest on October 12.
South winds in the valley were forecast at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts of 45 to 55 mph. A High Wind Warning covered the Spring Mountains and eastern Clark County, where gusts could reach 60 to 70 mph through Sunday evening. Heavy runoff could flood streams and low-lying areas. Poorly drained streets and low-water crossings were also at risk.
Drivers were warned not to enter floodwater. Residents were urged to secure loose outdoor belongings. They should also check local alerts before traveling.
Showers remained possible into Monday. Highs were forecast in the upper 60s Monday and Tuesday, with overnight lows in the 50s.
