Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be a possibility for Carson City and surrounding counties and Lake Tahoe through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The potent atmospheric river storm will bring rising snow levels with strong winds, heavy mountain snow and lower elevation rain Thursday afternoon through Friday, with possible flooding in poor drainage areas, forecasters say.

Due to potential impacts and rising water, a Flood Watch has been issued for Carson City, Lake Tahoe and surrounded counties. Additional waves of moisture will keep rain and snow chances going at times from this weekend into next week.

NWS forecasters say excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks and flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas due to deep snow confining flow and limiting drainage. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with snow and debris, the weather service advises.

The warm nature of the system is expected to lead to rapid runoff in areas of shallow snowpack and wet ground. Continued precipitation on areas with deeper snowpack may begin to pass rain through the snowpack during the prolonged precipitation event, forecasters advise. This will lead substantial hazard of minor flooding with significant rises on main stem rivers.

Flooding on mainstem rivers is not forecast at this time, but rises to monitor stage are now expected on the east fork of the Carson near Gardnerville and the Carson River near Carson City. Minor or even moderate river flooding can’t be ruled out.

The weather service advises people to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Ahead of the storm will be gusty winds thus prompting a Wind Advisory from 10 Thursday night through 7 p.m. Friday for the greater Reno, Carson City, Carson Valley and surrounding counties. Forecasters say the winds will be from the south 20 mph to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. Wind prone locations along I-580 through Washoe Valley and Highway 95 near Walker Lake could see periods of stronger wind gusts in excess of 60 mph at times.

Sand bagging locations
Carson City
The sand bagging station in Carson City is stocked and ready at the Carson City Corporate Yard, 3505 Butti Way, just north of the main Public Works’ building. Bags and sand are supplied. People will need to bring their own shovel and fill your own bags.

Douglas County
— The Genoa location is inaccessible due to snow. Genoa residents should use the Jacks Valley location.
— Jacks Valley Station 15, 3450 Jacks Valley Rd, Carson City
— Sheridan Fire Station, 980 Sheridan Ln., Gardnerville
— Johnson Lane Fire Station, 1450 Stephanie Ln., Minden
— Fish Springs Fire Station, 2249 Fish Springs Rd., Gardnerville
— Ruhenstroth Fire Station, 2008 Pinto Cir., Gardnerville
— Support Services Center (East Fork Fire) 940 Mitch Dr. (Across from Station 7), Gardnerville
— Holbrook Highlands at the Family Support Council Building, 3324 Highland Way, Gardnerville

Lyon County
— Mound House Fire Station – 56 Red Rock Rd., Mound House
— Silver City Community Center – 385 High St., Silver City
— Fire Station #39 – 460 Dayton Valley Rd., Dayton
— Dayton Valley Road, just southwest of Sutro Rd
— Fire Station #35 – 231 Corral Dr., Dayton
— Stagecoach Community Center – 8105 US-50, Stagecoach
— Silver Springs JPO Office – 1075 Pyramid Ave., Silver Springs
— Mason Town Hall building – 55 Bridge Street, Mason
— Dressler Park Community Arena – 2715 Hwy 208, Wellington
— Out of Town Park, Farm District Road and Highway 95A, Fernley

Storey County
Sandbags can be found at the following locations:
— Virginia City – 130 Toll Rd., sandbags are in the shed to the left as you dip down into the lot at the Ice House
— Virginia City Highlands – Fire Station 72, 2610 Cartwright Road
— Lockwood – Fire Station 74, 431 Canyon Way
— Mark Twain – Community Center, 500 Sam Clemens Road

Sandbags are provided, you must bring your own shovel.

South Lake Tahoe:
Fire Station 3, 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Behind the Fire station. Shovels and bags provided; shovels are limited, so people are encouraged to bring their own.

General tips
— Clear gas meters of snow.
— If your power goes out, do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home; use a generator, but only outdoors and away from windows.
— Purchase in advance all the necessary groceries, supplies, and tools to clear sidewalks and driveways, uncover your car, and keep all passageways clear.
— Clear gutters of snow and debris.

Be sure you have a way to clear snow, including a snow shovel, snow blower with gas, and salt or sand to pre-treat the driveway and sidewalks. A push broom can be helpful for removing snow from vehicles and gas meters.

Check back for updates.