NDOT advises motorists not to drive due to snow storm across Northern Nevada
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sat, 12/31/2022 - 3:28pm
With an atmospheric river winter storm hitting northern Nevada, the Nevada Department of Transportation is urging motorists to avoid driving. The snow and slush that has fallen on roadways throughout the day is leading to reduced traction on all highways and streets.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the lower valleys from Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley in Douglas County as well as at Lake Tahoe and Sierra.
Numerous spinouts have been reported Saturday between Reno and Carson Valley and on Highway 50 and 395. NDOT road crews as well as crews from Reno to Carson City to Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties are all out in full force. Chains and snow tires are required on many road ways and in the Sierra.
See the latest NDOT traffic cameras here. And see NVRoads.com for the latest travel conditions.
As temperatures continue to drop, ice has the potential to form under a light layer of snow on the roadway. Adding to the dangerous driving conditions is the potential increase of impaired drivers following New Year’s Eve celebrations, according to NDOT in a news release.
NDOT is dedicated to keeping highways safe for drivers by first prioritizing snow removal on major thoroughfares such as interstates. Local city and county governments are responsible for snow removal on city streets and county roads.
Like many public and private employers, NDOT is experiencing staffing shortages for highway maintenance workers, according to the news release.
"While NDOT is working to provide the same level of snow removal as in previous years, motorists should also anticipate slower travel times and the potential of reduced highway snow removal. The department is also hiring for temporary winter highway maintenance workers to help keep winter highways clear," the news release states.
Statewide, more than 175 crashes occurred in inclement weather between Oct. 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, including two fatalities. Many of the crashes were due to unsafe driving in snow, ice and other wet conditions, such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or failing to maintain a lane and overcorrecting, according to NDOT.
When necessary to travel in winter weather, motorists are reminded to drive slowly for conditions and leave space between their vehicle and others. Wearing a seat belt and focusing on the road are other important driving tips for any type of weather.
Winter Preparation
As storms move in, NDOT maintenance personnel patrol highways and closely monitor professional meteorological forecasts detailing wind, rain, snow, ice and other weather on state roads. Staff also utilize more than 50 Road Weather Information System meteorological stations located along northwestern Nevada highways to provide detailed reports of current air and pavement temperature, as well as moisture. The updated weather readings help pinpoint precise sections of roads needing brine, salt and sand or snow removal.
During major winter storms, crews work in 12-hour shifts, rotating personnel to provide 24 hour-a-day snow removal.
Updated state road conditions, including winter road closures and incidents, are available by dialing “511,” logging on to nvroads.com or using the Nevada 511 app before driving.
