Storm blankets Valley in snow: Rain expected this morning

There wasn't much rain on Friday night as temperatures remained cooler than expected, but there was a lot of snow. Genoa saw more than 10 inches of snow accumulated by 9 p.m. A National Weather Service observer at Daggett Pass on Kingsbury Grade reported 17 inches of snowfall at 8:58 p.m.

Snow started falling in Carson Valley at 6:30 a.m. and didn't really stop until after 10 p.m. By nightfall, Minden recorded 5.5 inches of snowfall and temperatures slightly below freezing. A trained weather service spotter reported a foot of snow in Carson City at 9:15 p.m.

A winter storm warning went into effect for Western Nevada between 4:50 p.m. and midnight. Heavy snow was expected to turn to rain at about midnight, according to the National Weather Service. Snow levels were expected to rise to 6,000 feet in the early morning hours.

A high wind warning will take effect 4 a.m. with winds of 20-35 mph gusting to 60 mph, according to a high wind warning. The warning is forecast to last until 4 p.m. Expect gusts of up to 70 mph in the foothills and Washoe Valley. Dangerous crosswinds are expected along north-south oriented highways. Residents are warned to stow any loose outdoor items or holiday decorations.

The Weather Service says that damage to trees, power lines and property is possible with winds. Be prepared for power outages as a result of the storm.

Urban and small stream flooding is possible below the snow level in the Sierra Nevada over the weekend. There may also be moderate rises in some rivers, though no flooding is expected along the rivers.

Heavy rain from storms expected to arrive next week could raise the possibility of river flooding. Information is available at water.weather.gov/ahps

Douglas County Emergency Management has provided four locations in the county with sand and sand bags for area residents. Those locations are:

• Fire Station 15 in the Alpine View are of Jack's Valley

• Topaz Community Center - Topaz Ranch Estates

• EFFPD Support Services Facility - Across from Fire Station 7 in the Gardnerville Ranchos

• Parks and Recreation Facility across from Lampe Park

East Fork Fire Chief Tod Carlini said residents should be prepared for changing weather conditions.

"National Weather Service officials have indicated rain and snow will continue for the next few days," Carlini said. "A very strong wind storm is predicted for Saturday afternoon. Residents should always maintain a base level of preparedness for being without power along with the potential for large snow fall amounts."

Anyone requiring emergency assistance, should call 911. For all non-emergency assistance calls, contact Douglas County Emergency Service Dispatch at 782-5126. For additional information on how to better prepare for weather emergencies, visit www.ready.gov