Flood waters subsiding; weather danger still exists

Community resources are available.

Reno, Nevada. Jan. 9, 2017. Washoe County, City of Reno and City of Sparks emergency officials continue to focus on assessment and recovery efforts as the flood waters subside. However, the region is expected to see more dangerous weather in the coming days.

Ensuring public safety and providing resources to the community in the aftermath of the flooding remain the highest priorities.

Weather update:

The National Weather Service in Reno is predicting snow and increased winds through Wednesday. The flood risk is decreasing. However, officials urge residents to avoid the Truckee River and flooded areas. First responders are still urging the public to stay away from the Truckee River. The water is very cold and very fast and hypothermia can set in quickly.

In addition, there is a continuing risk of falling trees due to high winds and saturated ground. Trees could fall without warning.

Boil Water Warning:

Residents of the River Belle Mobile Home Park in Verdi are asked to boil water for at least 10 minutes until further notice.

Areas serviced by Truckee Meadows Water Authority are not affected by this warning. Water in the Autumn Hills area is safe to drink and the sewage system is fully functional.

Community Resources:

The Red Cross shelters are transitioning into a standby state, which means they could reopen if the weather dictates. They are also assessing damages in the region and offering cleaning supplies and food as residents return home. If you would like to donate or are in need of services, please call the Red Cross at 775-856-1000.

If you need food, clothing or furniture, please contact the Salvation Army at 775-688-4555.

For power outage information, please visit NVEnergy.com/outage.

Public urged to report property damage:

To report flood damage, please call 775-337-5800, beginning 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This information will be added to the information collected by emergency officials and used to assess damages and their impact to the entire region.

By reporting issues, you can help officials modify prediction maps. The data received could help officials better prepare for future flooding based on this storm’s outcome.

Road closure information:

Current road closure information is listed on Washoe County’s website.

Lake Street Bridge, Arlington Street Bridge and Sierra Street Bridge in downtown Reno will likely be closed for several days. Officials are waiting for river waters to recede so the bridges can be inspected for damages before they can reopen. Please plan to take an alternate route.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office continues to warn the public to pay attention to road signs that advise of impassable conditions over the Donner Pass area. Multiple vehicles have been stuck on Henness Pass Road above Dog Valley. This is not a safe I-80 alternate route, despite some GPS directions.

Debris removal:

If you see debris in the road, or clogged storm drains, please call 775-337-5800 on Tuesday, January 10 between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Shelters:

Sparks High and Wooster High evacuation shelters are closed as of 5 p.m. Monday as the Washoe County School District prepares to return to class tomorrow.

Evacuations:

All voluntary evacuations announced by Washoe County have been lifted at this time. People can return home.

If you are returning to your home after evacuating, please look for exposed gas pipes in the yard or a rotten-egg smell. If you suspect a gas leak, call 911 and evacuate your home.

City of Sparks update:

For more information from the City of Sparks, please visit cityofsparks.us/floodinfo.

Washoe County School District Update (WCSD):

All WCSD Schools including Incline Village Schools will be on a two-hour delayed start on Tuesday, January 10 to properly prepare schools for welcoming back students and to ensure that all students and staff arrive safely at school. In addition, there will be no Early Release on Wednesday, January 11 at all WCSD schools. All schools will release at the normally scheduled time on Wednesday.

How to get information:

Officials will be updating media and the public continuously at www.washoecounty.us.

For information, please call 775-337-5800 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

People are urged to follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NVFlood17.

In an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1.

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