Wild fire threat remains as severe thunderstorms possible for Sierra, northern Nevada
Another round of strong thunderstorms are expected to pass through the Lake Tahoe, Carson City and western Nevada region Wednesday, bringing with them a risk of lightning generated wild land fire starts, gusty winds, rain, hail and flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Thunderstorms will develop Wednesday afternoon and evening, especially in western and northwestern Nevada and extreme northeast California, according to the weather service.
While any thunderstorm could bring heavy rain, small hail, occasional lightning, and wind gusts up to 50 mph, some thunderstorms could become severe with torrential rain, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, hail of more than an inch in diameter, and damaging wind gusts over 60 mph.
The lightning could also create fire starts throughout the Sierra Front and western Nevada foothills such as what happened Tuesday night where fires happened in Douglas County and in Washoe County. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Stronger storms will bring the threat for flash flooding, especially on and downstream from burn areas and in steep, less vegetated terrain. If you have outdoor plans the weather services advises to have a way of receiving weather alerts and reaching sturdy shelter quickly.
"If you are outdoors Wednesday have a 'Plan B' and be prepared to seek shelter if in or near any thunderstorms," according to a special weather statement issued earlier Wednesday. "Stay safe and when thunder roars go indoors."
Meanwhile, continued smoke and haze impacts remain as several large fires in the region continue to burn actively.
After Wednesday the thunderstorm threat decreases significantly, according to the weather service.
For the latest updates, see Carsonweather.com.
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