Governor Sandoval, emergency managers prepare for flooding across Northern Nevada
Gov. Brian Sandoval announced Friday that all measures are being taken by the state to prepare for the anticipated floods in Northern Nevada. The governor urges residents to follow the recommended safety and preparation procedures prior to Sunday.
“I have received a briefing from the Nevada Division of Emergency Management and have been updated on potential disaster preparations at the local, county, and state level. I have also spoken with Washoe County Commission Chairman Bob Lucey. Several of our state departments will begin pre-positioning resources beginning today,” said Sandoval. “The State will do whatever it takes to ensure that the local, county and tribal partners have the resources they need to manage this potential disaster and protect our citizens.”
Sandoval has directed the Division of Emergency Management to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Carson City. The governor has also ordered the Departments of Public Safety, Health and Human Services, and Transportation to provide on-the-ground resources to local and county preparedness and emergency management centers.
The National Weather Service in Reno anticipates an atmospheric river event that will produce a period of intense rainfall across the Sierra and western Nevada that will lead to widespread flooding this weekend. Around 8-12 inches of rain is forecast along the Sierra crest with 5 to 10 inches possible west of Highway 395 and then 2 to 5 inches along and east of Highway 395.
The weather service urges the following measures ahead of the flood:
— Check www.nevadafloods.org for more information including sandbag locations in Washoe County, Carson City, Douglas County, Lyon County, and Storey County
— Clear drains and gutters of debris and snow
— Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly
— Follow the instructions of local law enforcement and emergency personnel
— Follow #NVFlood17 and #RenoFlood for alerts
“Now is the time to be working on preparations for flooding — along rivers and near flood prone areas in the Sierra and western Nevada," said Chris Smallcomb, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service of Reno. "Construction areas can have enhanced risk of flooding problems. Make good use of the time available because Saturday weather will not be as favorable for flood preparations and significant flooding is likely Sunday.”
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and take the necessary precautions to prepare for likely flooding. Sandbag sites can be found across the region. Go here for sandbag sites in Carson City, Lyon and Douglas County.
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