Last week, an overturned travel trailer during a windstorm in Washoe Valley led to multiple readers reaching out to us to report that it is more often than not the flashing wind warning signs, indicating vehicles over nine feet must exit prior to entering are not functioning during wind events — even when wind restrictions are in place.
Nevada Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Meg Ragonese said the wind warning systems have been in place since the early 1980s to prohibit high-profile vehicles during high winds.
The automated signs which are triggered by wind speeds themselves, was first launched in 1996.
“The wind warning system is comprised of multiple systems,” Ragonese said. “Wind prohibition flashers are one part of the multi-faceted wind warning system.”
She said 10 years ago, the overall system posts wind information and prohibition messages to multiple systems including:
- Dynamic Message Signs (electronic highway signs)- NDOT posts any applicable wind prohibitions to overhead electronic highway message signs, including the digital highway signs on southbound I-580 entering Washoe Valley
- NVRoads.com and 511 Traveler Information System– available on-line, by phone and via the Nevada 511 app
- Approximately 30 Roadside Signs– automated to flash during wind-related road closures
- Road Weather Information Stations- The public can access current wind speed data from dozens of roadside weather sensors across northwestern Nevada by selecting “Weather Stations” at NVRoads.com before driving
- X (Twitter)- Wind-related vehicle prohibitions are automatically posted to NDOT’s @NevadaDOTReno X channel
“The wind prohibition signage is in place to enhance safety, but it remains the responsibility of each motorist to always drive with due care,” Ragonese added. “Many times, inactive flashers are actually the result of rapidly-changing wind speeds and prohibitions on alternating sections of highway.”
NDOT’s wind warning system is separated into different roadway sections, including:
- I-580 between Mt. Rose Highway and old U.S. 395/Bowers exit 16
- I-580 in Washoe Valley
- Alternate U.S. 395 in Washoe Valley
She said that, based on gust speeds and thresholds in each of the areas, wind prohibitions can change quickly for each segment.
“For example, at certain times based on current wind speeds, high-profile vehicles may be excluded from I-580 near Mt. Rose Highway but not I-580 in Washoe Valley, or vice versa,” she said. “During wind gust speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour on I-580 in Washoe Valley or greater than 35 miles per hour on I-580 between Mt. Rose Highway and north Washoe Valley, programming protocol automatically activates appropriate highway signs in the impacted area to display messages prohibiting high-profile vehicles nine feet or taller.”
However, Carson Now readers noted multiple times in which the wind warnings for Washoe Valley specifically were in place online, but the flashers themselves were not working during the same time period.
Ragonese said that NDOT road operations staff routinely monitor I-580 wind warning flashers via roadway cameras.
However, she said that NDOT wants to “assure Carson Now readers that NDOT network communication staff will also verify that wind warning flashers are actively and correctly working as wind alert conditions begin during high wind events.”
She said that this can be done both remotely and physically, and routine tests will be conducted in the meantime to ensure the system continues to work.
“While NDOT appreciates feedback and welcomes input and questions at (775) 888-7000 or info@dot.nv.gov, we first remind motorists to always be prepared for the drive ahead,” Ragonese added. “We recommend viewing NVroads.com or the Nevada 511 app prior to travel. Local weather forecasts, weather alerts and up-to-the-minute roadside weather readings from NDOT’s road weather information stations can also prepare drivers for any weather, including high winds, on the road ahead.”
For more information on road conditions throughout Nevada, visit NVRoads.com
