Reno, Nevada. Jan. 8, 2017. Washoe County, City of Reno and City of Sparks emergency officials continue to monitor precipitation and flood information as weather conditions continue to deteriorate. Widespread flooding is occurring in Washoe County.  According to current information, the Truckee River is expected to crest, or reach its highest level, around 10 p.m. on Sunday in Reno, and between 1-3 a.m. on Monday in Sparks. See more info from Sparks.

Weather update:

Washoe County has seen significant precipitation, including this rainfall data from the past 24 hours:

• Galena Creek: 4.89 inches
• Rhodes Road: 2.96 inches
• Hidden Valley: 1.26 inches
• Rancho San Rafael: 1.22 inches
• Please see attached rainfall map.

Evacuations:

Several homes have been evacuated at this time. Residents in the Quilici Street, Autumn Hills Drive and North Edison Way areas should evacuate.

The Autumn Hills Drive area is also affected by a sewer lift station failure that has created a health hazard. Voluntary evacuations are in place in the area bound by Autumn Hills Drive, Amston Road, Huffaker Lane and Offenhauser Drive. Please see the attached map for evacuation areas. All streets on the map are in the evacuation zone.

Current evacuation information by street is listed on Washoe County’s website.

Evacuation center information:

The Wooster High School evacuation center is full. People who need a place to stay are encouraged to go to the evacuation center at Sparks High School. Please check road closure information.

Road closure information:

Current road closure information is listed on Washoe County’s website.

Closures:

The following places will be closed tomorrow, Monday January 9, 2017.

• Washoe County District Court (Veterans Court to be held at Jan Evans)
• Washoe County District Attorney
• Washoe County Library-Center Street Location
• Washoe County Technology Services (Edison Way location)
• Washoe County Public Administrator’s Office (Edison Way)
• Washoe County Regional Animal Services Office
• Reno City Hall. Reno Direct will not be staffed tomorrow. City of Reno residents should continue to call 2-1-1 for non-emergency information.
• Reno Justice Court
• Reno Municipal Court
• Department of Social Services-350 South Center location
• Sparks Justice Court
• Sparks Municipal Court
• Department of Alternative Sentencing
• Mills B Lane Justice Center
• University of Nevada, Reno

Free Bus Rides:

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is offering free transit rides from now through midnight on January 10, 2017. People should check www.RTCWashoe.com for detours or cancelation of routes.

Avoid flood water:

An exclusion zone with has been set up on both sides of the river by the Reno Fire Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District from the stateline to the City of Sparks, due to life and safety issues. Per the International Fire Code, recreational river-goers or observers within 100 feet of the water could be cited with misdemeanors.

First responders are also urging the public to stay away from the Truckee River. If first responders have to perform river rescues, it will divert valuable resources away from the flood response.

Treat any flood water as contaminated water. The water could include sewage and fertilizer or other contaminants. Stay out of the water and keep pets out of the water, as well.

Flash flooding can happen quickly and can be very dangerous. The water is very cold and hypothermia could set in quickly.

Obey signs, including road closures and do not drive in floodwaters. If you can’t see the ground, you don’t know how deep the water is, if the road is washed out or if you’ll get stuck in debris. Downed power lines could also pose an electrocution risk. Don’t drown, turn around.

Officials will be updating media and the public continuously at www.washoecounty.us. People are urged to follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NVFlood17, or by calling 2-1-1 for information. In an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1.

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