Regional partners focus on recovery efforts

Focus shifts to damage assessment and debris removal.

Reno, Nevada (January 9, 2017) – Washoe County, City of Reno and City of Sparks emergency officials are shifting their focus to recovery efforts following widespread flooding in the region in the aftermath of heavy rains. Ensuring public safety and providing resources to the community remain the highest priorities today.

Weather update:

Northern Nevada should expect to see a fairly active winter storm pattern over the next few days with a declining risk of flooding.

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

Recovery efforts and damage assessment:

Teams are working around the clock to assess and document damage. This includes reopening roads, when safe, and turning traffic signals back on. The Regional Transportation Commission will be offering free rides through tonight at midnight.

As the process takes place, emergency officials are urging citizens to avoid nonessential travel. Drivers should be extra cautious of standing water and debris if they must travel on area roads.

Road closure information:

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

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is warning the public to pay attention to road signs that advise of impassable conditions over 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. WCSO advises people to stay in Reno until the road has been cleared.

Debris removal:

If you see debris in the road, or clogged storm drains, please report them by calling 211 or 775-337-5800.

Shelters:

As the Washoe County School District prepares to return to normal operations, the Sparks High and Wooster High evacuation shelters will both close at 5 p.m. today.

Plans are being made for the limited number of people who remain at these locations.

If people need a place to stay, they are asked to contact the local Red Cross at (775) 848-2926. The after hours number is (775) 856-1000,

Current evacuation information by street is listed on Washoe County’s website.

City of Sparks update:

For more information on how the City of Sparks is preparing for the storm, go to 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.

Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC):

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) is changing its emergency operations to recovery operations today, after RSIC Chairman Arlan D. Melendez signed a Declaration of an Emergency Disaster. RSIC crews focused on flooding at the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center and mudslides along Eagle Canyon Road.

If residents see flooding or notice debris on or near their property, they should call RSIC Public Works at 775-785-1341.

Avoid flood waters:

The Reno Fire Department and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District  have rescinded the exclusion zone that had been set up on both sides of the Truckee River during the flood stage

However, first responders are still urging the public to stay away from the Truckee River. If first responders have to perform river rescues, it will divert valuable resources.

How to get information:

Officials will be updating media and the public continuously at www.washoecounty.us. People are urged to follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NVFlood17, or by calling 2-1-1 for information.

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

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