Carson City weather: Strong thunderstorms possible this afternoon into tonight

UPDATE 2:48PM: The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Douglas County, Carson City, Central Lyon County and southern Wash County until 3:30 p.m.

At 2:38 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located near Gardnerville moving north at 20 mph. The storm was bringing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected, according to the weather service. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, fencing and trees.

Dust storms may also result in serious accidents. Stay indoors and bring your pets indoors.
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Thunderstorms are expected to develop Thursday afternoon across the eastern Sierra and into western Nevada and the Carson City area bringing the possibility of hail, heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

The first storms are most likely to form between 1 and 4 p.m. south of Highway 50 including Douglas, Alpine and northern Mono counties.

Between 4 and 7 p.m., these storms could become more intense and widespread as they build northward across the Lake Tahoe Basin, Carson City and Reno areas.

Later this evening between 7 and 10 p.m., the greatest thunderstorm threat continues shifting northward into Lassen County and far northwest Nevada, including Susanville.

These storms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall, ponding on roads during the afternoon commute, and localized flash flooding.

For the Thursday afternoon commute the weather service advises motorists to allow extra time for travel and keep extra distance between vehicles. If you're planning outdoor activities, watch the sky for developing thunderstorms, and head indoors if you hear thunder.

Hail up to 1 inch diameter and wind gusts of 45 mph or greater, along with frequent cloud to ground lightning are also likely with the stronger storms.

With thunderstorms and the potential of localized rain, hail and wind across the region this afternoon, the Nevada Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to drive safely. There are approximately 2,000 crashes every year across the state due to unsafe driving in wet and snowy conditions, such as driving too fast or passing in an unsafe manner.

Motorists traveling during inclement weather should check nvroads.com of dial 511 before driving for updated state road conditions. It is also critical to slow travel speeds when driving on wet roads.

When roads are wet from rain, water over the roadway reduces your vehicle’s tire traction. Add to that the fact that rain can reduce or impair a driver’s view of the road, and it’s easy to see that driving in the rain needs to be treated with extra caution.

— Only travel in heavy rain when necessary, and always leave extra time to safely reach your destination
— When getting into the car during rainy conditions, wet shoes may slide from pedals. Dry soles of shoes on vehicle carpeting or rubber matting if possible
— Be aware and avoid flooded areas--never attempt to cross running or flooded water
— Buckle up
— Turn on headlights to see and be seen
— Defrost windows if necessary, both before and while driving
— Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not rainy conditions
— By Nevada law, wipers must be on while driving in rain or snow
— Keep additional distance from other vehicles
— Watch carefully for other vehicles and pedestrians
— Turn off cruise control to reduce hydroplaning
— Brake earlier and with less force, and turn slower, than you would in normal driving conditions
— Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles
— If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator

And finally, temporarily pull off the road to a safe location if you have difficulty seeing the roadway or other traffic.