Caution Needed On Roads As Las Vegas Storm Continues

LAS VEGAS, NV - The rain, which eluded the Las Vegas valley for four months, did what most people do when returning to Sin City after a long hiatus: It went nonstop throughout the night.

The rain arrived on Monday and enjoyed Las Vegas so much that it stayed the night, continuing into Tuesday morning. It's a bath the city badly needed after the longest drought in recorded history.

The first rainfall in 116 days has brought an inch of rain to the valley, most of which comes from the overnight downfall. Monday yielded .32 inches of rain, while the precipitation that has lasted all morning Tuesday has already brought .71 inches, according to records.

The National Weather Service warned that the extended dry spell in Las Vegas increased the risk of car accidents, and advised people to use caution on the roads. The accumulation of oil and dirt on roads can make them slick when mixed with rain, NWS said, and advised that drivers increase their stopping distance, leave plenty of space between vehicles, and use headlights during the rain.

Nevada Highway Patrol reported on Tuesday that the rain has caused "numerous" accidents - mostly minor fender benders as a result of low visibility - on highways across the valley.

The southeast valley has been hit with the most rain so far with some parts getting as much as 1.5 inches of rain, according to NWS.

UPDATE (12:26 p.m.): A flood advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service in Las Vegas. The advisory is in effect through 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Image via Joe Cavaretta/Associated Press