The rain is coming down relentlessly causing flash flooding for days on end.
Washoe County roads crews are clearing debris from areas impacted by flash flooding, including Spanish Springs, East Sparks, and Lemmon Valley.
“Our crews clean roadside ditches and culverts throughout the year, but as much as we prepare for storms like this, large amounts of water can easily overwhelm the drainage system,” said Washoe County Operations Division Director Eric Crump.
Four locations are offering sandbags:
- Washoe County Operations Yard, 3101 Longley Lane, Reno
- Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #17, 500 Rockwell Blvd., Spanish Springs
- Lemmon Valley Volunteer Fire Station, 130 Nectar St., Lemmon Valley
- At Idaho St. and Lemmon Drive (South side of Lemmon Drive), Lemmon Valley.
The sand is in an open area and available 24 hours a day.
The County recommends that you bring your own shovel to make your own sandbags. For information, call Washoe County Roads at 775-328-2180.
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The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) offers free flood-preparation resources. Nevadans can go to www.NevadaFloods.org to find information on at risk areas, flood preparation and flood safety measures.
“We want to make sure residents know their vulnerability to flood hazards and that they prepare for and reduce the risk associated with flooding,” said John Cobourn, water resources specialist at UNCE.
The website and information is a collaborative effort of a group called the Nevada Flood Awareness Committee, led by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, Floodplain Management Program, Nevada Division of Emergency Management and UNCE.
“Historically, Nevada’s northern rivers flood about every 10 to 15 years, usually in winter. Recently, we have been reminded that flash flooding can occur at any time on small streams and washes, most often in summer. Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can save lives, protect pets and help minimize property damage,” said Rob Palmer, Nevada’s floodplain manager.
