Prepare for a cloud of “Trop dust” around the Tropicana implosion site

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — If you stay up late (or get up early?) to watch the Tropicana implode Wednesday morning, be prepared for dusty conditions near the implosion site.

The Clark County Division of Air Quality issued a first-of-its-kind “Trop Dust” alert Tuesday to warn of the particles seeping out after the historic resort collapsed.

“The implosion will produce a cloud of 'tropical dust' that may temporarily impact the area surrounding the implosion site,” the department said in a news release.

The implosion is planned Wednesday, 2:30 a.m. Then a fireworks display and drone show begins, honoring the resort's long history in Las Vegas. The blast button probably wasn't pressed until just before 2:37 a.m., Channel 13 said. Once the button is pressed, the Tropicana's two hotel towers are expected to collapse in less than 30 seconds.

“We expect the dust could last for a few hours, but it probably won't last for 24 hours,” said Paul Fransioli, senior air quality specialist with the Division of Air Quality. “The dust cloud will be heaviest near the implosion site and will likely dissipate as it moves east.”

It will be No public areas for the implosionand the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is expected to begin closing streets around the site as early as 11 p.m. These road closures are expected to be lifted around approximately 6:00 a.m

If you're driving to and from work on and around the Strip, here's a rundown of the road closures you need to be aware of.

And if you want to avoid the “drop dust” altogetherChannel 13 will broadcast the implosion live, with coverage starting at 2am on Wednesday. You can tune in to KTNV-TV or stream it live at ktnv.com/live.