Atmospheric River Threatens Northern Nevada with Flooding, Power Outages

RENO, Nev. — An atmospheric river is set to drench northern Nevada starting Friday afternoon, bringing heavy rain, potential flooding, strong winds, and heavy, wet snow in the mountains. The storm, expected to last through the weekend and into early next week, has prompted NV Energy to prepare for possible service outages and increased staffing across its service territories.

In a message to customers on Thursday, NV Energy warned that the severe weather could lead to extended power outages. “Our highest priority during the storm is to ensure public and employee safety,” the company stated. Crews may need to access power lines or equipment on private property for emergency repairs, and customers are advised to verify field employees and contractors by their identification badges.

Meteorologist Gigi Giralte of the National Weather Service in Reno said the storm will bring significant rainfall to Western Nevada valleys, with Carson City expected to receive an inch and a half of rain through Monday. “We are mostly concerned about flooding in northeast California,” Giralte said. “There’s potential for some increased ponding, like on roadways.”

The storm is not expected to transition into snow in the valleys, but the highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada will see significant snowfall. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Tahoe Basin through 10 p.m. Saturday, with elevations above 7,000 feet expected to receive 6-12 inches of snow. By Monday evening, upper elevations could see 1-2 feet of snow.

Strong winds are also a concern, particularly in Carson City, where gusts could reach up to 65 mph starting Sunday. Ridgetops may experience winds up to 100 mph. “We could see some really strong southwest winds with gusts up to 65 mph for those wind-prone areas,” Giralte said.

NV Energy has provided safety tips for customers, including creating an emergency kit with essentials like blankets, flashlights, and first aid supplies. The company also advised residents to call 911 if they encounter a downed power line and to keep refrigerators and freezers closed during outages to reduce food spoilage.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution, especially when traveling over the Sierra Nevada. For current road conditions, residents can visit the Nevada Department of Transportation website or call 775-834-4444 to report outages.