Region still experiencing an emergency weather situation

Public asked to help by reporting flood damages.

Reno, Nevada. Jan. 11, 2017. The northern Nevada region continues to experience emergency conditions due to severe weather. Emergency crews and first responders are working around the clock to clear snow, place sandbags in key locations and remove drain blockages to prevent flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno reports that rain and snowfall for the first 10 days of January make it the 12th wettest month in Washoe County since 1893.

NWS is recommending that residents keep flood reduction resources, including sandbags, nearby for the next 1-2 weeks. Any additional rainfall could potentially cause significant flooding. Mountain travel disruptions and snow could continue. 

Sandbag locations:

Sandbag information is available at the following links:

• Washoe County - Workers are constantly replenishing sand supplies. If one location is out of sand, please visit another location.
• City of Reno - Sandbags are currently available at the Corp Yard location only.
• City of Sparks - Sandbags are currently available at the Shelly Park and Shadow Mountain Sports Complex locations only.

Weather conditions are changing rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, please visit The National Weather Service’s website at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/.

Avalanche Warning still in effect:

The Sierra Avalanche Center has issued a High Avalanche Warning for the Lake Tahoe area. Residents of the Crystal Bay and Incline Village area are being asked to continue to shelter in place during this snow event. Residents in the Crystal Bay area are advised to stay indoors until further notice. See avalanche maps here.

Avalanches large enough to break trees and move cars have occurred in Crystal Bay under similar storm circumstances. Residents are asked to call 211 if they see downed trees and/or power lines. No houses have ever been seriously damaged from large avalanches in Crystal Bay, but there is always a possibility. Stay away from uphill windows and doors.

This advisory is in effect until further notice. Road crews will not be plowing streets in the avalanche-danger area until further notice. Residents will be notified as soon as possible when the Warning is lifted. Washoe County snow plows are working 24-7 in the Incline Village area.

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.

Other hazards and road conditions:

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

Nevada State Route 446 between Sutcliffe and Nixon is inaccessible and is closed indefinitely; see photo on Twitter. State Route 447 is open between Wadsworth, Nixon and Gerlach. For more information, please visit nvroads.com. Residents in the area with questions should call 775-574-2426.

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.

Public asked to help by reporting flood damages:

As people return to their homes and businesses and begin to clean up damages, Washoe County, City of Reno and City of Sparks emergency officials are asking people to report damage by calling 775-337-5800 between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This information is critical to helping officials clean up and plan for future flooding. The information you provide helps scientists with future planning and identifies areas where water-diversion plans could be implemented.

It is advisable to document and photograph personal property repairs, damages and debris removal.

State, county and city officials are assessing damages and could seek federal assistance, including the possibility of federal assistance to individual property owners.

Public safety is of the utmost importance when cleaning up after flood damage. The Washoe County Health District has released important information on this process, including safety tips.

Now is a good time for people to review their personal insurance plans and make sure their coverage is up-to-date. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to make sure their insurance plans cover flooding.

Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) update:

To make traveling in the community easier during the flood emergency and aftermath, RTC transit services are FREE through Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 11:59 p.m. Everyone is urged to sign up for transit alerts at www.rtcwashoe.com as routes may be impacted by flooding. The RTC urges everyone to be safe and cautious during severe weather.

Community Resources:

The Red Cross is prepared to open shelters if needed. 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.

City of Sparks update:

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

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. Residents with questions should call 2-1-1.

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

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