NV Energy Warns Southern Nevada: Christmas Outages From Extreme Weather

As a powerful winter storm approaches Southern Nevada this Christmas, NV Energy is urging residents to brace for potential power outages, flooding, and hazardous electrical conditions.

This article explains what is happening, why the risks are elevated, and the practical safety steps every household should take to protect lives and property during the holiday weekend.

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Severe Holiday Weather Threatens Power Reliability

Forecast models show heavy rain and extreme weather moving into Southern Nevada on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

In a normally arid region, intense rainfall over a short period can overwhelm drainage systems, trigger flash flooding, and put critical electrical infrastructure at risk.

A Flood Watch is in effect, which means conditions are favorable for flooding but not yet guaranteed.

From an electrical safety perspective, this combination of saturated ground, standing water, and strong winds significantly increases the likelihood of outages and dangerous interactions between water and energized equipment.

How Flooding and Storms Cause Power Outages

Energy systems are engineered for reliability, but no grid is immune to extreme weather.

During severe storms, outages often occur because:

Power lines are downed by high winds, falling tree limbs, or unstable poles in waterlogged soil.

Electrical equipment floods, such as underground vaults, transformers, and substations, potentially shorting out or being shut down for safety.

Access delays slow repair crews, who may encounter road closures, debris, and hazardous water conditions.

NV Energy has stated that crews are ready to respond quickly and safely.

The utility is warning that outages may last longer than usual if conditions limit access or require additional safety checks before restoring power.

Critical Safety Guidelines Around Power and Floodwater

Electricity and water are a dangerous combination.

During flooding and storms, even seemingly minor contact with wet electrical equipment can be fatal.

Residents must treat every downed line and pool of floodwater as potentially energized.

Downed Power Lines and Electrified Water

If you see a downed power line:

Stay far away — at least 30 feet (10 meters) as a minimum safety buffer.

Do not attempt to move it or anything in contact with it, including branches or fences.

Call 911 immediately and then notify NV Energy through their outage reporting channels.

NV Energy specifically warns against:

Standing in floodwater, which may be electrically charged if it is in contact with energized equipment.

Touching electrical equipment while wet, including panels, meters, or outdoor outlets.

If your home has taken on water and you suspect electrical damage, do not re-enter flooded areas or attempt to reset breakers until a qualified professional or utility representative confirms it is safe.

Protecting Vulnerable Household Members

For households with medically fragile individuals, power outages can escalate quickly into emergencies, especially when life support or electrically powered medical devices are involved.

Backup Plans for Life Support and Medical Equipment

NV Energy urges families with members on life support to have a backup power plan.

This may include:

A properly installed standby generator with adequate fuel.

Portable battery backup systems rated for critical medical devices.

A prearranged plan to relocate to a medical facility or a family member’s home with reliable power.

Always coordinate with your healthcare provider and equipment supplier to understand how long devices can safely operate without line power and what contingency plans are recommended.

Generator Use and In-Home Safety During Outages

Many residents will consider using portable generators if the power goes out.

While generators can be lifesaving, they also pose serious risks when used incorrectly, including carbon monoxide poisoning and backfeed into power lines.

Safe Operation of Portable Generators

NV Energy reminds customers to follow all safety guidelines, including:

Operate generators outdoors only, far from windows, doors, and vents, to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet; use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician or plug appliances directly into the generator.

Keep the generator dry and protected from rain, and avoid operating it in standing water.

Inside the home during an outage, residents should:

Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to limit food spoilage.

Use battery-powered lights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.

Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power is restored.

Flood Safety and Access for Repair Crews

In addition to electrical hazards, flooding itself is a major life safety issue.

Fast-moving water can be deceptive in depth and force, particularly at night or when runoff is obscured by debris.

Staying Safe and Supporting Restoration Efforts

Authorities and NV Energy recommend:

Move to higher ground immediately if flash flooding is possible in your area.

Never walk or drive through floodwaters; just a small depth of moving water can sweep a vehicle away or knock a person off their feet.

Allow access to repair crews, who may need to enter private property to restore power. NV Energy staff can be identified by official identification badges.

Here is the source article for this story: NV Energy warns about Christmas outages in Southern Nevada due to extreme weather