Storms expected to return, preparation is advised

See resources list to make sure you are prepared.

Reno, Nevada. Feb. 8, 2017. With storms expected to hit the area once again, Washoe County Community Services Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) are urging residents to prepare.

Flood-prone areas near small streams, creeks, ditches and culverts are expected to flood Thursday and into Friday. See map of flood-prone areas in Washoe County. Washoe County has sandbags available at nine locations and urges residents to assemble them on their property if there is a chance of flooding.

With the National Weather Service expecting a break in the storms today, Washoe County Roads Division crews and TMFPD crews are working on flood prevention efforts.

 “The Washoe Valley, Pleasant Valley and Lemmon Valley areas experienced flooding on Tuesday,” TMFPD Chief Charlie Moore said. “However, any area in or near floodplains, small streams, creeks and tributaries may expect flooding issues again on Thursday and Friday.”

In addition to sandbags, precautions residents can take if conditions are safe include removing debris from drainage areas. With high winds also predicted this week, even tumble weeds can cause drainage to back up.

Residents can report flooding in unincorporated Washoe County by calling 775-328-2180. Residents may not see a crew in their community immediately; however, Washoe County Road Crews will be responding to all calls on a prioritized basis.

“We feel the urgency of residents calling us,” said Dave Solaro, Director of Community Services Department. “Crews are working hard to focus on repairing critical areas in a timely manner.”

Response priorities for County Road Crews include life safety, preventing damage to homes, maintaining emergency access to property, and providing for safe  travel on County roads.

In addition, Operations Division Director Eric Crump said residents can expect intermittent road closures due to flooding. During fast moving storms, roads can close and reopen fairly quickly. Crump reminds residents that “it really is not safe to drive through any flooded street or area.” 

Flood Resources

• Flood Health & Safety Information
• FEMA map of Flood Prone Areas
• Washoe County Sandbag Locations
• City of Reno Sandbag Locations
• City of Sparks Update on Sandbags
• Weather Warnings & Advisories
• National Weather Service - Reno
• Disaster Assistance for Individuals & Households

Updates will be provided as needed on the Washoe County Twitter Page and on our website.

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