The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Flash Flood Warning and a Flood Watch for much of northern Nevada and eastern California, warning of possible flash flooding this afternoon and evening.
The Flood Watch is in effect from noon through 9 p.m. and covers the Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden area, Mineral and Lyon counties, the Lake Tahoe area, Mono County, and Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties in California.
The Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m. for central Lyon County, Storey County, and southern Washoe County. Doppler radar shows thunderstorms producing up to one inch of rain, with flash flooding already ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Some areas likely to experience flooding include Virginia City, Dayton, Six Mile Canyon, Gold Hill, and Junction U.S. 50 and Six Mile Canyon-Ft Churchill Road.
The Storey County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook, “We are currently experiencing extreme weather conditions in the Virginia City area. Lightning, downpour, and hail. Please stay inside and be safe.”
“Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible due to thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service stated. “Flash flooding is also possible over burn scar areas, including the Davis, Conner, Bear, Mill, Inn, and Tamarack burn scars.”
Forecasters said excessive runoff could lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas. Urban flooding and poor drainage areas could also be affected.
A Special Weather Statement was also issued Monday afternoon for a strong thunderstorm over Olympic Valley moving north at 5 mph. Radar showed wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail. The National Weather Service said gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, while minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
Areas that could be impacted include Tahoe City, Truckee, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, Boca Reservoir, Prosser Creek Reservoir, and surrounding campgrounds and recreational areas. Officials advised anyone outdoors to consider seeking shelter inside a building.
“The concern for flash flooding continues today for much of the area,” the agency said in an online post. “Showers and thunderstorms today will be slow-moving, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding. Remember, turn around, don’t drown!”
(The National Weather Service Reno and Storey County Sheriff’s Office contributed to this story.)
