Reno area under flood warning again amid heavy rain

By Associated Press

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 | 7:30 p.m.

RENO — Northern Nevada was bracing Monday for more flooding and heavy snow, a week after rain and rapid snowmelt from another storm flooded homes and businesses and washed out roads.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Reno, Carson City and surrounding cities on Monday after more than an inch of rain fell by midday.

Forecasters reported another three inches of rain were possible by midnight and a flood warning would be in place until 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Weather officials said runoff will cause flooding of small creeks and streams and could leave low-lying spots like underpasses and drainage areas under water.

In Reno, the Truckee River was forecast to crest around 6 a.m. Tuesday, about six inches below flood stage, according to readings from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Fire Department urged residents to stay away from the river, warning that fast-moving and cold water can be a deadly combination.

The city was handing out sandbags at several locations. The city also said heavy rain could lead to rock and mudslides in steeper areas.

In the Sierra Nevada, forecasters issued a winter storm warning through 4 p.m. Tuesday.

In mountain areas around Lake Tahoe, forecasters warned that moderate to heavy snow will fall through Tuesday.

The weather service said dangerous driving conditions could be expected on mountain passes, with snow levels ranging from 8 inches in lower elevations to nearly 5 feet in higher elevations.

The heavy rain and snow comes after wet weather a week ago caused flooding throughout northern Nevada, the latest in a series of record-breaking winter storms in the area.

Officials said that storm caused millions of dollars in damages, on top of nearly $15 million in damages from winter storms in January that led President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration.