The Overnight Flooding in Rural Clark County Prompted Immediate Water Rescue Efforts

Author: Nevada Globe Staff

NEVADA – Overton, a rural village in Clark County’s Moapa Valley, sometimes floods when it rains. Crews rescued three people from two automobiles after they were caught in floodwater early Wednesday morning.

Moapa Valley Fire District Chief Stephen Neel: “We’ve never had two swift water rescues like this.”

In one incident, a semi-truck driver became caught in a flash flood on Highway 169.

Neel received a call at 1:26 a.m. Wednesday about two automobiles stuck in flash flooding. “I saw a three-foot wall of water…” The vehicle was flooded, and the subject was trapped inside. We got him to medical.”

The rescued driver was okay, said Neel. His large rig was stuck in the mud for hours in the morning.

Floods surge swiftly. Neel said people underestimate flash floods, thus it seemed passable.

In the other instance, a couple’s van was caught in swift-moving floodwaters. Officials said they were rescued by helicopter and were unharmed.

First responders’ hard work led to excellent outcomes in both circumstances.

Combination fire department. 55 volunteers… Once we alerted them, they attended to the emergency… They’re trained for swift water. Small town. Neel: “These events bring the community together.”

“Unfortunately, Moapa Valley is used to floods,” he said.

Mack Lyon Middle School in Overton also flooded. Kat Lounsbury, a parent of two students, said FOX5 the school appears to feature a lake.

Volunteer rescuers spent Wednesday resting.

Credits: Fox5Vegas