Carson City weather: Region braces for gusty winds, rain and river flood threats

A powerful spring storm moving into the Sierra, Carson City and western Nevada regions will bring drenching rains, gusty winds and the potential for river flooding through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Flood warnings and watches are in effect with this warm, subtropical “atmospheric river” storm system, rare for April, with the brunt of the rain happening late Friday night into Saturday, forecasters say.

Also with this storm, winds are expected to pack a punch. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Winds are expected to peak late Saturday morning through the early afternoon before decreasing Saturday night.

Winds will be from the southwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts around 55 mph are possible. Wind-prone areas such as I-580 south of Reno and Highway 395 near Stead and Cold Springs could see gusts in excess of 60 mph.

Travel restrictions are likely for high profile vehicles. Damage to trees and powerlines will be possible especially with saturated soil conditions, according to the weather service. Aviation will also be impacted by these winds and some flights may be delayed.

For the Carson City area, there is a threat of some minor, localized flood along streets and drainages. Carson City Public Works has been working throughout the week to clear streets and roadways of debris around storm drainages. To report any storm drain concerns call Carson City Public Works at (775) 887-2355.

The main flood threat is south of Carson City into Carson Valley. Significant precipitation may combine with high snow levels to bring enhanced flooding potential for rivers, creeks, streams and urban areas. A Flood Warning is in effect through 11 a.m. Sunday for Douglas County along the East and West Forks of the Carson River, including the main stem of the Carson River from the confluence to the Cradlebaugh Bridge on Highway 395.

Further north, there are flood warnings for the following locations:
— Truckee River Near Truckee affecting Nevada and Placer counties
— Truckee River At Reno affecting Washoe County
— Truckee River At Vista affecting Storey and Washoe counties

For the Truckee River, moderate to major flooding is forecast for Truckee. Minor flooding is forecast for Reno and Vista. Go here for Flood Warning information and areas in the region under the warning.

According to the weather service, the biggest impacts are expected to occur Saturday morning through Sunday morning on the rivers and starting as early as Friday afternoon on smaller creeks. The wave of water is currently expected to move downstream of the warned area by Sunday morning.

Minor to moderate flooding is expected in the Flood Warning zone. Rivers, creeks, streams, urban areas along the river, farmland and pastures, roads, and the low lying area in the Carson Valley are at the greatest risk for flooding. High flows may also impact Cradlebaugh Bridge along Highway 395.

Expect snowmelt out of the low and mid level snowpack and runoff to significantly contribute to the amount of water moving through the Carson River system, according to the weather service.

This includes the following streams and drainages: Daggett Creek, Carson River from the confluence to Cradlebaugh Bridge, Indian Creek, Bryant Creek, Brockliss Slough, Johnson Slough, East Fork Carson River, West Fork Carson River, Home Slough and Fredericksburg Canyon.

By the time the heaviest precipitation has ended, total liquid amounts could be in the range of 2.50 to 4 inches in the highest elevations of the Sierra with 1.50 to 2.50 inches in the Sierra valleys.

In the western Nevada foothills amounts of 1 to 1.50 inches are possible while the lower valleys and western Nevada, northwest Nevada and northeast California could pick up from 0.60 to as much as 1.10 inches of rain. In the basin and range country amounts could vary from 0.25 inches to as much as 0.60 inches, according to the weather service.

Rain and high elevation snow tapers to showers by Saturday evening with minimal snow accumulation. Drying begins for Sunday with lighter winds. This will be short-lived as we move into another active period later in the week.

Sandbag stations are available in Carson City, Douglas and Lyon counties. In Carson City, locations are:
— Fire Station 52 on College Parkway
— Fire Station 53 at Ross Gold Park
— Foothill Road at Winnie Lane
— City Corporate Yard at 3505 Butti Way

See below or go here for a video produced by Carson City on sandbag measures.

Carson City Public Works advises to bring your own shovel. Sand and bags are provided. To view Carson City's real time map that will shows areas of flooding if it happens, go here. For information or alerts please visit carson.org.

Go here for sandbag locations in Douglas County.

Lyon County has placed sand and sandbags at the following locations. All sandbags must be filled by the users.
Lyon County Animal Services – Hwy 50 (just East of Ramsey Cutoff).
Stagecoach Community Center – 8105 Hwy 50.
Dayton Utilities Keystone Property – 404 Keystone Dr.
Fire Station 35 – 231 Corral Dr.
Fire Station on Dayton Valley Rd – 460 Dayton Valley Rd.
Dayton Utilities Yard (outside of the gate) – 200 Lakes Blvd
Mound House Fire Station – 56 Red Rock Rd.
Silver City Community Center – 385 High St.

Check back for updates on this developing story.