Carson City weather: Heavy valley rain, several feet of snow in Sierra with arriving storm

Another atmospheric river is headed our way today through Tuesday bringing periods of torrential rain and strong winds to Carson City, the valley areas and several feet of snow to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe, according to the National Weather Service.

Flooding of small creeks and streams as well as rock and mudslides will be a serious hazard with this storm. In addition, heavy snow and strong winds at upper elevations will create whiteout conditions and increasing avalanche hazards.

A Flood Warning is in effect through Tuesday morning for rain and snowmelt in Carson City, Douglas County, Northern Lyon County, Storey County and southern Washoe County.

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday for Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton, Virginia City and Reno-Sparks areas.

Winds will be south to southwest, 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Wind prone areas gusting to near 70 mph. Plan for hazardous travel conditions for high profile vehicles along Highway 395, Highway 50, and Interstate 580. Strong turbulence and wind shear could impact aviation travel. A few power outages are also possible in and near the foothills.

The weather service expects precipitation to be from 3-6 inches likely in the Sierra through Tuesday morning, with 1-2 inches in the western Nevada valleys and 2-3 inches in the foothills west of Highway 395. For northwest and west central Nevada, between 0.50 and 1 inch is probable north of Highway 50 with less than 0.50 inch south of Highway 50. Heavy rain is expected to bring widespread flooding concerns to the region including small stream flooding, urban flooding, mud and rock slides, as well as increases to mainstem rivers.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until Tuesday morning for Lake Tahoe and Sierra. Moderate to heavy snow and rain will continue through Tuesday with the heaviest snow expected this afternoon and evening.

Snow accumulations above 7,500 feet will range anywhere from 2 to 5 feet. Between 6,500 and 7,500 feet anywhere between 8 inches to two feet. The heaviest snow will be west of Highway 89 and along the Sierra crest. Below 6,500 feet, up to 8 inches mainly on Tuesday.

Carson City sandbag locations will be restocked by Public Works and residents can fill sandbags at the following locations:
• Winnie Lane/Foothill Drive
• Ormsby Road/Washington Street
• Third Street Parking Lot: 202 S. Curry Street
• Fire Station 52: 2400 East College Parkway
• City Corporate Yard: 3505 Butti Way
• Ross Gold Park: 280 East Appion Way

For a real time flood map of Carson City go here. Go to carson.org/flood for citywide flood updates. A Flood Hotline has been designated for flood related reporting and questions, which are not life-threatening. The number is 887-2355 and officials recommend the public to use this number instead of 9-1-1 for non-emergency flood calls.

The Lyon County Road Department have in previous floods implemented sandbag locations. All sandbags must be filled by users.
— Lyon County Animal Services – Hwy 50 (just East of Ramsey Cutoff).
— Stagecoach Community Center – 8105 Hwy 50.
— Dayton Utilities Keystone Property – 404 Keystone Dr.
— Fire Station 35 – 231 Corral Dr.
— Fire Station on Dayton Valley Rd – 460 Dayton Valley Rd.
— Dayton Utilities Yard (outside of the gate) – 200 Lakes Blvd
— Mound House Fire Station – 56 Red Rock Rd.
— Silver City Community Center – 385 High St.

South Lyon County Sandbag Locations:
— Fire Station 40 in Smith Valley – 1 Hardie Ln, Smith Valley.
— Mason Town Hall – 55 Bridge St, Mason.

Check the latest forecast at weather.gov/Reno and check road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT.
For the latest weather discussion go here. For weather updates for Carson City, see CarsonWeather.com.

The weather service advises against any travel in the Sierra during the storm period due heavy snow and the possibility of mud and rock slides. Check back for updates.