Sheriff advises residents to prepare for possible flooding

With a severe winter weather storm approaching the Sierra Nevada this weekend, Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini advised residents to prepare for potential flood activity.

The National Weather Service reports that heavy precipitation is likely in the Central Sierra and western Nevada areas. The storms are predicted to begin Friday, and continue through the beginning of next week. With heavy precipitation expected from the storm, there is a potential for area flooding.

While the full impact of rainfall from this storm is uncertain at this point, it is expected to be heavy in areas of elevation below 7,500 feet. With area snowpack starting at 5,000 feet, these rainstorms have the potential to cause the lower elevation snowpack to melt. With soils already heavily saturated due to above normal precipitation since October, the potential for flooding exists.

Persons with homes or structures in the Carson Valley located near rivers, streams, creeks, canals or other moving waterways should take steps to mitigate the chances of flooding. This includes cleaning tumbleweeds, branches, leaves and other debris from the waterways. Residents should stay aware of the latest weather forecasts from the National Weather Service throughout the weekend.

Updates on local weather conditions can be obtained from local television, radio and printed news sources, or via internet by logging onto the National Weather Service at: www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev

Current stage flow and river forecast information is available for many rivers and streams in Eastern California and Western Nevada on the internet at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps, then clicking on the area of interest.

Updates on local road conditions can be obtained from local television, radio and printed news sources,or via the internet by logging onto the Nevada Department of Transportation web site at: www.nevadadot.com

Citizens are reminded that if immediate emergency services should be needed during this weather event, they should call 911. Situations of a non-emergent nature or requests for information should be reported or requested on the non-emergency line, 782-5126.