Heavy rains force road closures at Lake Mead

Three roads are closed within Lake Mead National Recreation Area because of recent flash floods. More storms are expected this afternoon.

Kingman Wash Access Road, a dirt road in Arizona that leads to Lake Mead, is washed out. It was closed this morning.

Temple Bar Access Road, a main road in Arizona that leads to Temple Bar Marina on Lake Mead, is impassible. Flood water is flowing across the road through the Detrital Wash.

Nevada State Route 165, which leads to Nelson’s Landing and Placer Cove, has been closed at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area boundary because of flooding and road degradation.

According to the National Weather Service, .68 inches of rain was recorded overnight at the Lake Mead Visitor Center off of U.S. Highway 93 in Boulder City, and more rain is expected this afternoon.

A flash flood warning has been issued just west of the park near Searchlight, Nevada, until 3 p.m. The storm, which is producing heavy rain, is traveling northeast toward the recreation area.

Willow Beach Access Road, a main road in Arizona that leads to Willow Beach Marina on Lake Mohave, was closed around 1 a.m. Monday, but reopened after crews removed debris.

Northshore Road and Lakeshore Road, the main roads in Nevada that travel around Lake Mead, are open, but do have some gravel and debris from flood waters. Cyclists should use caution when traveling on these roads. Vehicles should also maintain a greater distance to avoid debris that may fly up and cause rock chips.

Crews are working to restore access at all of the closed locations.

Park visitors are advised to keep an eye on the weather. If a storm approaches while on land, never drive through flowing water and avoid washes and low-lying areas. If on the water, put on a life jacket, head toward shore and write down GPS coordinates in case a rescue is needed.