Wind warning system in Washoe Valley ready for incoming storm
In late 2015, the Nevada Department of Transportation enhanced the wind warning system prohibiting high-profile vehicles such as semi-trucks and RVs during high winds through Washoe Valley.
The new system enhances safety and helps reduce the amount of wind-related road closures with additional wind warning signs and weather monitoring stations.
The system includes 33 new roadside signs with flashers which activate during wind-related road closures. Wind alerts are also posted on highway advisory radio stations and the 511 Nevada Travel Info system.
New wind speed thresholds were also established for different roadway segments. The new system continually monitors wind speeds from five roadside monitoring sites.
During wind gust speeds of more than 50 miles per hour on I-580 in Washoe Valley or greater than 40 miles per hour on I-580 between Mt. Rose Highway and north Washoe Valley, flashers on highway signs automatically activate, prohibiting high-profile vehicles nine feet or taller from traveling through the area.
High-profile vehicles are also prohibited and travel speeds reduced during sustained winds of more than 35 miles per hour on Alternate 395 through the Franktown area.