Governor Lombardo gives severe weather update, cautions Nevadans amid continued storms
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 3:43pm
CARSON CITY — Gov. Joe Lombardo issued an update Tuesday afternoon on the state response to the severe weather that has impacted Nevada.
“As severe weather continues across the state, I want to assure all Nevadans that we are working continuously with state and federal partners to mitigate damage and expedite recovery efforts,” said Gov. Lombardo. “I’m grateful for the outstanding efforts of our first responders and for the resiliency of Nevadans throughout the unprecedented storms this winter. I urge all Nevadans to continue to stay safe and remain prepared over the next few days.”
Emergency Declaration
Since Thursday, March 9, parts of northwestern Nevada have continuously experienced severe weather, including flooding, rain, snow, freezing temperatures, ice, and severe windstorms. On Friday, March 10, Gov. Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Nevada.
On Saturday, March 11, Gov. Lombardo amended his declaration of emergency to include additional counties impacted by the ongoing severe weather, which included: Carson City, Churchill County, Douglas County, Esmeralda County, Elko County, Eureka County, Humboldt County, Lyon County, Mineral County, Nye County, Storey County, Washoe County, White Pine County, and the Yomba Shoshone Tribe.
Additional counties and tribal governments have and may continue to declare emergencies as the situations in their communities develop, and the State of Nevada will continue to ensure local officials have access to the resources that are needed.
State Response
Throughout this weather incident, response teams have worked quickly to clear roadways, repair damage, open evacuation centers as needed, and mitigate flooding concerns in impacted areas. The Office of the Governor continues to work alongside local, state, federal, and tribal nations in a collaborative effort to develop response and recovery plans to support ongoing weather conditions.
Ahead of more forecasted rain and snowstorms, the state is continuing with its preparation and response efforts, which include:
Nevada Division of Emergency Management (DEM)
Assisting local jurisdictions and tribal nations with direct information from the National Weather Service (NWS) on current and potential impacts.
Monitoring current and potential future local government resource needs.
Assisting several counties and tribal governments who have declared a state of emergency declaration.
Holding of coordination calls with local government emergency managers to ensure needs are met. The Division operates our state’s emergency management and homeland security enterprise under the premise of locally executed, state led, and federally supported: all disasters are local with the state assisting our local partners.
DEM is leading the State Emergency Response Team.
DEM is in constant communication with local, tribal, and federal partners in emergency management, fire service, healthcare, law enforcement, transportation, and other essential personnel to coordinate protective actions and resources needed.
Dissemination of critical information to the media, public, and local partners on preparedness measures, response and recovery resources, informational documents, and situational awareness across the state.
Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT)
NDOT conducting storm preparations such as:
Inspecting and clearing roadways (snowplows, sand trucks, road safety product, Avalanche/Rockslide clearing and personnel).
Monitoring roadways, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.
Road closures.
Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF)
NDF crews are assisting local and tribal partners with needs such as filling sandbags and other resources as needed.
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)
Monitoring the needs of local partners and prepared to support as needed.
Nevada National Guard (NVNG)
Personnel and heavy equipment are on standby.
Nevadans are encouraged to plan for continuous rain which can cause flooding in flood prone areas. If Nevadans are experiencing flooding, they are encouraged to:
— Find safe shelter right away.
— Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
— Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
— Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
— Depending on the type of flooding:
— Evacuate if told to do so.
— Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
— Stay where you are.
Steps Nevadans can make before flooding occurs are:
Create an Emergency Communication Plan
Build a disaster supply kit for all members in your household, including your pets.
Document your belongings and gather important personal documents.
Know the flood risk for your area. See FEMA’s flood map service center.
Nevadans can find more information at dem.nv.gov under Flood Information 2023.
