Video by Dana Nollsch
The greater Reno community is expecting to see continued flooding overnight and through tomorrow.
Closures
All Washoe County Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday. The University of Nevada, Reno is also closing its campus, as is Western Nevada College in Carson City and Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village. All Truckee Meadows Community College locations will be closed Monday as well.
Only essential personnel should report to work at UNR.
According to UNR Police Chief Adam Garcia: “Please note that University employees who work in positions designated by their department or division as ‘essential services’ should report to work as scheduled. The University reminds students, faculty and staff to familiarize themselves with what to do before, during and after a flood. The best local resource for information on flooding is NevadaFloods.org[nevadafloods.org].”
Evacuations
Many homes have been evacuated, and officials are asking residents around Quilici Street, Autumn Hills Drive and North Edison Way to evacuate their residences.
From the county:
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.”
Wooster High School is full. Those evacuating are asked to go to Sparks High School.
Stay Away From Flood Water
Flood waters are to be considered dangerous an contaminated. According to Washoe County:
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.”
The Regional Transportation Commission is offering free bus rides through midnight on Monday.
Other Closures
- 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
Storey County
Storey County is seeing significant flood impacts. Road closures posted are still in effect through Monday morning, and the USA Parkway is closed by NDOT between Electric Avenue and Denmark Drive due to gravel in the road. Detour routes are established to all businesses at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRI).
From Storey County:
- Six Mile Canyon damaged, closed and patrolled by Sheriff.
- Cercle De La Cerese in Rainbow Bend in Lockwood is damaged and closed.
- Additional field crews called to Lockwood and Mark Twain response.
- State Route 341 Geiger Grade and Truck Route open.
- All senior centers and schools closed on Monday. School district is contacting parents and posting closures.
- County offices closed Monday except emergency and flood response staff.
Emergency Coordinating Center is in 24-hour active status. Contact [email protected] and 775-847-INFO (4636) for updates.
