City Of Reno: City Of Reno Warns Residents Of Hazardous Winter Weather

Press release from the City of Reno:

12/23/2021 2:46 PM

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Special Weather Statement for the greater Reno area through the holiday weekend. Winter weather will result in major travel disruptions during this time.

The City of Reno’s Public Works crews will be working around-the-clock on 12-hour shifts through the duration of the storm, which includes stormwater maintenance and deploying snow plow operators in areas of the city as needed.

Per NWS, here’s what you need to know:

• A series of storm systems will continue to bring rain and snow to the Sierra, northeast California, and western Nevada.
• The chance for snow in the valleys increases Christmas Day (Saturday) as a cold front moves through.
• Consider alternate routes or adjusting plans if you are traveling for the holidays. This is especially true if you’re heading into or out of any Sierra locations where chain controls, long delays, and potential road closures may occur.
• Be sure to monitor the latest weather forecast (weather.gov/reno) and check road conditions routinely (511 for Nevada and 1-800-427-7623 for California) or download the mobile applications NVRoads (Nevada) and Quickmap (California).

Sand Bags and Potential Flooding

The City of Reno is warning of potential localized flooding and asking residents to avoid areas with standing water. Officials also want to remind drivers NOT to drive through standing water.

Sand bag filling stations have been set up at the following Reno locations:

• Corporation Yard - 1640 E. Commercial Row
• Intersection of Moana Lane & Baker Lane
• Intersection of Moya Boulevard & Red Baron Boulevard 

Residents should bring their own shovel and be prepared to fill their own bags.

To report flooding in your neighborhood or generally around the city, please call our after-hours emergency number, which is 775-830-8689.

Officials encourage residents to be proactive and plan accordingly for the possibility of rising water levels. If you live in a flood-prone area or have experienced flooding in the past, please be on alert. Check ditches and culverts on or around your property. Remove any debris immediately. Even a small object can cause a backup and overwhelm ditches.

Have a kit ready. In the event of another high precipitation year, officials recommend all residents have an emergency kit ready, including special medication on hand in case of a prolonged storm.

Snow Plow Protocol in the City of Reno

The City of Reno street system contains approximately 2,400 lane miles and is divided into 19 routes. Priority is given to arterial and collector streets along with school zones. Secondary streets are plowed after priority streets as resources become available.

Priority 1 and 2 streets include major streets, collector streets, areas around schools and emergency service sites such as police stations, fire stations and hospitals. Examples of Priority 1 and Priority 2 streets, as well as snow plowing maps, can be found at Reno.gov/Snow.

Sidewalk Snow Removal

Homeowners and business owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property. The best time to remove the snow is before it has been packed by feet or vehicles. Please avoid the use of “ice melt” products when possible as it can deteriorate concrete and the water quality of our streams and the Truckee River.

Driveways and sidewalks are often affected by snow berms as plowing occurs. This is an unavoidable part of the snow-plowing process. The City does not remove the berms from driveways or sidewalks. If the City receives a complaint concerning the obstruction of a sidewalk, Code Enforcement will send out a courtesy letter reminding the property owner of this responsibility. 

Be Prepared

If you must travel this weekend, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing. If you stay home, have a backup plan in case of power outages. 

Visit Reno.gov/Snow for more information on Winter Preparedness.

The City of Reno wishes all a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year’s holiday.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed here are the author’s own.