A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden area beginning Wednesday afternoon as thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding through Thursday evening.
The watch is in effect from 2 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday evening. It includes the Bug and Stallion fire areas, as well as Virginia City, Verdi, Sparks and Gardnerville, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
The main concerns are flooded roads and rock, mud and debris flows in and near active fire perimeters, steep terrain and poorly drained urban areas. Heavy rain from thunderstorms is expected primarily during the afternoon and evening Wednesday and Thursday.
The watch also covers Mono, Mineral and southern Lyon counties. People are advised to avoid recent burn areas, steep terrain, dry creeks and other locations prone to flooding. People should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be prepared to act if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.
A separate Fire Weather Watch is in effect Thursday for northeast California, the Greater Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas, and northern Washoe County.
Thunderstorm chances are expected to increase to 15% to 30% in those areas. Lightning over dry fuels and outflow gusts of up to 50 mph could lead to new fires that spread rapidly before first responders can contain them.
People are urged to avoid activities that could create a spark, including dragging trailer chains, target shooting, driving over dry grass, and having campfires. Local fire restrictions should also be followed.
