Intense thunderstorm pounds Vegas area, prompts flood alerts

LAS VEGAS: An intense thunderstorm over Las Vegas that grounded flights and diverted arrivals elsewhere has settled down. The storm that slowly swept through the area Thursday afternoon prompted warnings of flash floods through 7 p.m. and winds faster than 60 mph.

Multiple lightning strikes pounded the area and power outages were reported throughout much of the Las Vegas valley. Water leaked through the Golden Nugget's ceiling onto three craps tables in downtown Las Vegas.

Mohave and Nye counties also received flash flood warnings.

McCarran International Airport grounded flights and incoming planes were told to stay where they were if they hadn't left yet. At least four incoming flights were sent elsewhere. As of 5 p.m. the Federal Aviation Administration reported average flight departure delays of at least 2 hours.