(Jan. 6, 2023) The Regional Emergency Operations Center is activated at a stage 1, and the City of Reno and Washoe County each issued a Declaration of Emergency ahead of the next series of winter storms.
A Declaration of Emergency gives governments the flexibility to request resources and increase staffing as needed. It can be proactively issued when a disaster is anticipated in order to prepare the government entities for disaster response and mitigation. The time frame for declarations is limited.
The decision was made due to the base of snow and water already settled in the region from storms that arrived over the New Year’s holiday weekend. New snow and more rain increase the likelihood of localized flooding.
The National Weather Service has forecast a storm arriving Sunday, and another storm coming in Monday morning into Tuesday, with a possible break Wednesday and Thursday before another system arrives. While river flooding is not expected, residents should anticipate streams, creeks, culverts, and drainage areas to rise.
The last storm brought very wet, heavy snow that downed trees and affected power supplies. Residents should always be ready for possible power failures and stock up with three days’ worth of supplies, food and water.
Regional emergency announcements will be shared on www.emergencywashoe.com, and check with your local city or county sites for information specific to your location.