Based on the latest weather reports, NV Energy says it is expecting severe wind and significant snow throughout western and northern Nevada beginning on Thursday and extending into the weekend.
NV Energy says it is prepared and on standby to quickly and safely respond to any outages that may occur.
"We encourage customers to review NV Energy's outage preparation tips so they are prepared ahead of any possible outage. Through NV Energy's outage center, customers can stay up to date on the number of outages, outage causes, number of customers impacted and estimated time of restoration."
NV Energy also encourages customers to update their contact information in MyAccount and to sign up in MyAccount for personalized alerts direct to cell phones.
We recently introduced a new outage map that provides more detailed information about current outages. Not a My Account user? No problem. You can access the outage map without logging in. Learn more about how to use the new map: https://t.co/hl4yiQZ7RX pic.twitter.com/W24Bo9uKZt
— Liberty Utilities Lake Tahoe (@LibertyUtil_CA) February 28, 2024
NV Energy also sent out these safety tips to customers:
* Call 911 if you encounter a downed power line, and do not approach or touch the line.
* Report outages at nvenergy.com/outage or by calling customer service at (775)-834-4444.
* If someone in your house is on life support, prepare a backup plan. Customers on life support or other life-dependent electrically supported equipment can also enroll in the Green Cross Program.
* Review safety rules for portable generators if you own one.
* Learn how to override your electric garage door opener.
* Create an emergency kit that includes a blanket, flashlight, batteries and first aid supplies. Store these items in a water-tight container.
* If you are experiencing an outage, keep refrigerators and freezers closed to reduce food spoilage. If unopened and full, food can last for two days.
* More safety tips are available at nvenergy.com/outageprep.
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Meanwhile, City of Reno crews will continue to monitor the weather conditions and are working around the clock to prepare for the next series of storms.
The public is advised to consider the following information heading into the storm:
* Have a supply of non-perishable foods, medicine, baby supplies and pet food, as well as one gallon of water per person per day.
* If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing. For statewide road conditions visit NV Roads or call 511. See winter driving safety tips.
* Remember to shovel snow from your driveway, sidewalk and near the roadway. This gives plows a place to push snow and helps reduce the chance of a snow berm being created across your driveway.
* Have flashlights and/or battery-powered lanterns available, and a supply of back-up batteries.
* Make a family disaster plan and emergency kit for floods, earthquakes and fires.
* Keep pets inside.
* Reno residents can submit flooding and downed trees in public spaces to Reno Direct at 775-334-4636 (INFO). After-hours reports can be called into 775-352-4249.
* Consider all downed power lines as live and dangerous. If you see one, stay away and call 911 and NV Energy to report.
* Keep outdoor home ventilation and chimneys clear of snow.
* Remember to check in on loved ones and neighbors, especially older adults.
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The Washoe County Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC) is monitoring the storm and working with all partners to ensure complete situational awareness of the storm. If necessary, the REOC will be activated to respond and deploy resources. As a standard practice, residents should stock a three-day supply of food, water, batteries, and personal necessities.
Snow removal and Road Safety
This is a multi-day event that may impact things like mail delivery, garbage/recycling service, and travel. Plan ahead, expect slow travel and icy roads, and stay home if you can. Remove parked cars, garbage cans, etc., to allow our snow plow operators to do their jobs efficiently. Washoe County Roads crews maintain more than 1,000 miles of paved and gravel roads. Crews will focus on Priority 1 routes first, so expect accumulations on the Priority 2 & 3 routes. View routes here. Incline Village/Crystal Bay residents can view the real-time status of snow plows in their neighborhoods with our “Where Is My Plow” map here. Report roadway problems at 775-328-2180.
Travel
Check the Nevada Department of Transportation roads webcams or call 1-877-NV-ROADS for real-time road conditions and be prepared for possible delays.
Traffic Signals
To report traffic signal issues, call 775-335-7623.
Mountain safety
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for mountain locations including the Greater Lake Tahoe Area. Life-threatening conditions are expected Friday morning through Saturday morning, and whiteout conditions with near-zero visibility. Travel is not advised, but if it is necessary, prepare with water, food, and blankets. Practice extreme caution if recreating in mountain areas and stay out of backcountry locations that may be prone to avalanches.
General Safety
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, outdoor use or portable space heater. Have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- Never use gas-powered appliances or other appliances intended for outdoor use indoors.
- Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed and never use an extension cord or power strip to power them.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
- Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns if available. If you must use candles, make sure the area is ventilated since candles emit combustion products and, if left unattended, can be a fire hazard.
Flooding
Washoe County will respond to emergencies and flooded areas in unincorporated Washoe County. To report a problem, call Washoe311 at 3-1-1 or 775-328-2003. Service requests can also be made online here.
To report a problem within the City of Reno, please call Reno Direct at 775-344-INFO (4636).
To report a problem within the City of Sparks, please call 775-353-2231 or download the city’s new My Sparks app.
Electricity
Heavy snow can damage trees, which in turn can damage power lines. If you suspect damage to a power line, do not go anywhere near it. We encourage residents to review NV Energy’s outage preparation tips so they are prepared ahead of any possible outage. Through NV Energy’s outage center, customers can stay up to date on the number of outages, outage causes, number of customers impacted and estimated time of restoration. Report downed power lines to 9-1-1 and NV Energy’s emergency line: 775-834-4100.
NV Energy also encourages customers to update their contact information in MyAccount and to sign up in MyAccount for personalized alerts direct to your mobile phone.
Vulnerable Residents
Those who may be experiencing homelessness or need immediate shelter can go to the Resource Center at the Nevada Cares Campus, 1800 Threlkel Street, Reno. Case workers may be able to provide resources for temporary housing or other care, and the emergency shelter has nearly 600 beds with 84 emergency overflow cots as well. If an unhoused individual arrives at the Nevada Cares Campus and there is no available bed in the emergency shelter, they will be able to stay the night in the winter overflow on a first come, first served basis. Each person will be provided a bed, linens, and a locker to secure personal items. There is a warming center that is available 24/7 that serves lunch and dinner every day. Learn more about the Nevada Cares Campus and view the availability of beds and resources here.
