Carson City area weather update: Rain prompts flood advisory Monday, snow advisory Tuesday
UPDATE: The flood advisory for Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties has been extended to 4:30 p.m. Monday.
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A powerful, potent atmospheric river storm is making its way into western Nevada, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flood Advisory until 1:45 p.m. Monday due to the threat of urban and small stream flooding in Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties.
The region can expect minor flooding in urban and poor drainage locations where snow and debris may block water flow. The weather service advises motorists to expect water over roadways, as well as rock falls in canyons and steep terrain.
Earlier Monday morning, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain that was causing urban and small stream flooding. Overflowing poor drainage areas have already caused minor flooding in the advisory area, NWS forecasters said.
Snow levels are expected to fall over the next few hours and will help to alleviate the accumulation of water, according to forecasters.
Meanwhile, the weather service has issued at Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday for the greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas. Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches in the valleys with 3 to 6 inches above 5,500 feet.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commutes.
The advisory states heavy rainfall is expected Monday with snow accumulations possible above 6,500 feet. Minor snowfall is possible late Monday afternoon, but accumulations are expected to be light. The main period for accumulating snowfall is between 2 a.m. and 12 p.m. Tuesday.
Even light snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 511 or going to NVroads.com.
Elsewhere, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday for the greater Lake Tahoe area. Heavy wet snow is expected with total snow accumulations through late Tuesday night of 1 to 2 feet, except 2 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet. Wind gusts up to 50 mph with exposed ridges gusting in excess of 130 mph at times. Waves up to 4 feet on Lake Tahoe.
The weather service notes travel in the Sierra could be very difficult to impossible. Forecasters say there will be a lull in snowfall activity Monday afternoon until late this evening. However, gusty winds, and existing icy/snowy roadway surfaces will keep winter driving conditions in place for many locations.