Powerful winds expected to blow into Las Vegas valley over weekend

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Strong winds are expected to blow into the Las Vegas valley causing temperatures to drop over the weekend.

The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued high-wind watches for much of Clark County and in the Las Vegas valley starting at 11 a.m. Saturday until 11 a.m. Sunday. Wind gusts could be up to 55 mph on Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures are expected to drop from the 80s to the 60s.

The wind will be stronger at higher elevations and a severe high wind warning will be in effect for Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountains where gusts could reach 75 mph.

NV Energy is alerting residents in the Mt. Charleston area that power may be turned off due to the high winds to avoid fire danger. Power shut-off could begin Saturday at 11 a.m. and last until Sunday at 11 a.m. Those times could shift or be canceled due to the changing weather.

The National Weather Service said the winds could cause damage such as downed power lines and trees.

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