Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
This is Jim Wallmann at the National Weather Service in Reno with an online weather briefing
for a major storm impacting the Sierra and western Nevada into this afternoon and evening.
This is the current radar image as of 10 AM this morning. The heaviest rain is moving
through Eastern California and Western Nevada at this time and will continue into early
afternoon. The intense band of precipitation above, shown by the arrow, shows where the
cold front is. Snow levels are rapidly falling behind the front to below 7000 feet.
The pattern across the eastern Pacific and western United States is ideal for heavy precipitation
to continue across the Reno forecast area this afternoon. A strong area of low pressure
off the British Columbia coast will remain nearly stationary through Sunday. This image
shows the plume of subtropical moisture, known as an atmospheric river, that will continue
to push moisture into northern California and the Sierra Nevada this afternoon.
The strongest wave of precipitation is expected to continue into this afternoon. Snow levels
are in the process of rapidly falling behind a strong cold front as it moves through. Snow
levels will eventually reach to 6 thousand feet or lower late this afternoon. Total rainfall
from this second wave will be on the order of 2 to 4 inches in the Tahoe Basin and across
western Lassen County. Higher amounts are possible west of highway 89 near the Sierra
Crest. 2-3 inches of rain are possible in the foothills west of highway 395. Along the
highway 395 corridor from Reno to Minden, 0.75 to 1.50 inches of rain is possible with
lighter amounts expected to the east of highway 395.
We have issued a flood warning for the Truckee River, the Susan River and Steamboat Creek.
The highest threat for flooding is near Truckee, the east side of the Reno/Sparks area, and
near Susanville. With snow levels rapidly falling behind the front, it is possible the
threat for significant flooding may be reduced this afternoon. For specific details please
refer to the River Flood Warning on our homepage. Always remember, never drive your vehicle
through flood waters, as rushing water can easily sweep a car away. If you are in a flood
zone follow the directions of emergency officials. There is also a small stream flood warning
in effect for small creeks and streams through this evening. Areas under the flood warning
are northeast California including Lassen, eastern Plumas and Sierra Counties, the Lake
Tahoe Basin, Reno, Carson City and Minden. A flood watch remains in effect for Eastern
Alpine County and Northern Mono County. The highest risk for flooding is along small creeks
and streams. Rock and mudslides are possible especially in areas of steep terrain and near
wildfire burn areas. Remember to slow down while driving through heavy rain to prevent
hydroplaning.
Additional concerns with this storm are periods of strong winds through Sunday. Across Mono
County and portions of West Central Nevada winds of 30-40 mph can be expected with gusts
up to 70 mph, while gusts up to 90 mph are possible in wind prone areas. Along the Sierra
Crest winds will be gusting to 140 mph. There is also potential for 10 to 16 inches of snow
above 7000 feet affecting the Sierra Passes this afternoon as snow levels rapidly fall.
Up to 3 feet of snow is also likely over the higher peaks by this afternoon.
Check back at our website Weather.gov/Reno for updates as this storm impacts our region
through this evening. Please share your photos and storm reports on our Facebook page or
send us a tweet @NWSReno. Thank you for listening.