U.S. president Bill Clinton subsequently approved FEMA financial aid to help cover the cost of public property repairs.
Flash flooding in the Las Vegas Valley is common from July through September, during the local monsoon season.
[2][3] Population growth and ongoing development also contribute to flooding, as the abundance of paved surfaces causes increased water runoff.
[5][6] The 1999 flood occurred after several weather systems merged,[7][8] with moisture coming from Arizona, northern Mexico and the Gulf of California.
[7][11] The storm began in the western Las Vegas Valley and gradually moved to the center,[12][13] raining upon flood water which was in the process of making its way downstream.
[22] The Flamingo Wash travels west to east across the Las Vegas Valley, serving as a major route for flood water.
The other victim, believed to have been a homeless man, died of drowning and was found in the Flamingo Wash.[26][27][22] Most casinos suffered only minor leaks.
[28][29] Across the street, the parking garage at the Imperial Palace resort saw flood waters rising three feet and was closed for several hours.
[29] KNUU, the only radio news station in Las Vegas, suffered a blown circuit at its transmitter site as a result of the storm and was unable to report on the event.
In response to headlines about the flood, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority issued a statement to media outlets in Southern California and Arizona, emphasizing that the Strip remained open for tourism.
[35] Nevada governor Kenny Guinn and other elected officials toured flood-damaged areas,[8][9][27] including the Miracle Mile Mobile Home Park.
[40][41] Five days later, U.S. president Bill Clinton approved the use of FEMA financial aid to cover the cost of public property damage, which totaled $20.5 million.
[45] The agency provided approximately $15 million to cover repairs, while local governments were responsible for funding the remainder.
[47] Flood waters destroyed sidewalks and washed out roads throughout the Las Vegas Valley, and also forced the closure of several bridges.
[48] In 2000, the county announced plans to improve the Flamingo Wash near the Miracle Mile Mobile Home Park, easing resident concerns about future flooding.