Key facts
- Alert
- Flash Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Las Vegas NV
- Areas
- Inyo, CA
- In effect
- until 7:45 PM PDT, Oct 21, 2026
What the National Weather Service says
“Flash flooding is already occurring.”
NWS Las Vegas NV, Flash Flood Warning, 7:38 PM PDT Oct 21, 2026 · official alert
“Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.”
NWS Las Vegas NV, Flash Flood Warning, 7:38 PM PDT Oct 21, 2026 · official alert
“Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
NWS Las Vegas NV, Flash Flood Warning, 7:38 PM PDT Oct 21, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Do not drive on flooded roads. The National Weather Service says to turn around, don't drown, because most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Move to higher ground and never drive around barricades. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially near Hwy 190 and Panamint Valley Road, where flooding has been reported.
If you can do so safely, report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and ask them to pass it on to the National Weather Service.
Context
FEMA flood-insurance records show 4 claims in Inyo County between 1982 and 2012. These counts cover only insured properties, so they do not show all past flood damage.
FEMA has made several disaster declarations for Inyo County, including ones for flooding and winter storms in 2017 and 2023, and one for Tropical Storm Hilary in November 2023.
Updates
- The flash flood warning expired at 7:45 PM PDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the flash flood warning; it remains in effect until 7:45 PM PDT.
- NWS Las Vegas NV issued the flash flood warning until 7:45 PM PDT.
History here
Inyo County: 4 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1982, most recent 2012.
Inyo County: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4750 (2023): tropical storm hilary
- DR-4699 (2023): severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides
- DR-4683 (2023): severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides
- DR-4305 (2017): severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides
- DR-4301 (2017): severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides
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Questions
- Is there a flash flood warning in Inyo County, California?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas extended a Flash Flood Warning for southern Inyo County until 7:45 PM PDT on October 21, 2026.
- Is flash flooding happening now near Panamint Springs?
- Yes. Emergency management reported thunderstorms with heavy rain and said flash flooding is already occurring. Panamint Springs is named as a place that will experience it.
- Which roads are affected by the flooding?
- The National Weather Service says recent thunderstorms caused flooding along Hwy 190 and around Panamint Valley Road. Avoid driving on flooded roads.
Sources
- NWS Las Vegas NV: Flash Flood Warning, Oct 21, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
How this page is made. The Herebeat Hazard Desk builds event pages from official U.S. government data (National Weather Service, USGS, FEMA). The text is written with AI from that data; every number and quote is checked against the official source automatically before publishing, and the page is updated when the agency updates the event. The official source is always the reference. Spotted a mistake? info@herebeat.app. About the Hazard Desk.