Winter Preparation: Calm before the Storm

Residents asked to prepare ahead of this week’s weather

Reno, Nev. March 19, 2018. Washoe County officials want to be sure the region is prepared ahead of a forecasted atmospheric river set to hit our region this week, with rains beginning tomorrow. Working with our partner National Weather Service Reno, it appears the weather event could produce heavy precipitation causing localized flooding in areas throughout the county.

Washoe County is prepared to respond with crews positioned throughout the county. However, residents are asked to be prepared and take precaution to protect life and property. “With our recent snows, the ground is saturated which is why we are urging people to be prepared as we could see some localized flooding across roadways and properties in flood prone areas” says Operations Division Director, Eric Crump. “While it is natural for some water to be pushed on to the road with high winds, always use caution and never drive through flooded roadways.”

Should the need arise, sandbags are available at various locations throughout Washoe County. Please be prepared to fill the sandbags at the locations by bringing a shovel and assistance if possible.

The following locations will have sandbags available:

• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #223, 130 Nectar St., Lemmon Valley

• Lemmon Drive and Pompe Way intersection, Lemmon Valley

• Blue Heron Circle and Warrior Lane intersection, Belli Ranch

• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #30, 3905 Old Hwy 395, Washoe Valley

• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #16, 1240 Eastlake Blvd, Washoe Valley

• Washoe County Operations Yard, 3101 Longley Lane, Reno

• Highland Ranch Parkway, one mile west of Pyramid Hwy, Sparks

• Andrew Lane and Paddlewheel Lane intersection, Pleasant Valley

Washoe County Roads Division regularly cleans and services Washoe County ditches and maintains infrastructure. However, it is recommended that property owners also continually clear gutters and ditches to allow for proper drainage should high precipitation occur. Stormwater can also be expected with temporary high flows in ditches, and with recent snows the stormwater may not make it into the ditches due to snow blocked drainages. If stormwater starts to look threatening, you are encouraged to call:

911:

Any life safety emergency.

Washoe311 (non-emergencies), by dialing 3-1-1 from any phone:

If you see rising water on the road.

If you have water in your home.

If water is keeping you from accessing your home.

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