Nevada Governor Issues State of Emergency as Flooding Worsens
Areas in Northern Nevada are bracing themselves as weather experts predict “the worst flood in Northern Nevada since 1997.” On Sunday, northern Nevada authorities closed flood-prone roads and bridges in the Reno-Sparks area.
In preparation of the flooding, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval declared Washoe, Douglas and Lyon counties state of emergencies.
About 1,300 homes have been evacuated in the Qulici area in South Reno. Residents are being sheltered at Wooster High School. #nvflood17
— Washoe County (@washoecounty) January 8, 2017
By Sunday afternoon, evacuations were underway in Washoe County due to the flood risk. Washoe County officials tweeted Sunday afternoon that 1,300 homes were evacuated in the Qulici area South of Reno.
The National Weather Service also took to Twitter Sunday afternoon, stressing that there were, “LOTS of gawkers downtown near the river. Please stop taking selfies and go home!”
View of Sierra St bridge from downtown. LOTS of gawkers downtown near the river. Please stop taking selfies and go home! #NVflood17 pic.twitter.com/jNu2gmbGkb
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) January 8, 2017
The Truckee River is expected to crest in Reno about 2 feet above flood stage late Sunday or Monday, and about 6 feet above flood stage in Sparks Monday morning.