Nevada Wildfire Destroys 47 Homes, Injuries Reported as Evacuations Continue Thousands of residents in Nevada are being allowed to return home as firefighters gain control over the Hawk Fire, which has destroyed 47 homes and injured several people. The fire, which began around 11:20 a.m. on Saturday northwest of Reno, has prompted widespread evacuations and ongoing efforts to manage its spread. Officials have emphasized that while the immediate threat has diminished, caution remains due to the risk of embers reigniting in dry conditions. The U.S. Forest Service confirmed the fire started in the Reno area, with the majority of damaged structures located on the west side of Highway 395. This section of the highway, which was closed for several days, has since reopened. However, some residents on the east side of the highway remain under evacuation orders, with approximately 5,000 people still unable to return home. On Wednesday, the Washoe County sheriff announced that about 9,300 residents on the east side were permitted to come back, though power restoration is pending as downed power poles continue to disrupt services. The fire has caused significant damage, with 47 homes and one commercial building completely destroyed, while eight other commercial structures sustained partial damage. At least seven individuals, including three first responders, were injured during the incident. Officials noted that the rapid spread of flames, which moved quickly through the area, contributed to the high number of damaged properties but also prevented fatalities. Efforts to contain the fire have seen progress, with 27% containment achieved by Monday. Firefighters from 15 states, as well as teams from New Zealand and Australia, have been deployed to assist in suppression efforts.#reno #washoe_county #nevada_wildfire #hawk_fire #truckee_donner_public_utility_district
Tornado warning issued as severe storms bring hail and flash flooding to western Nevada A severe round of thunderstorms swept across western Nevada on Thursday afternoon, prompting a tornado warning for parts of Storey, Washoe, and Lyon counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno issued the warning at 1:37 p.m., citing a storm near Derby Dam, approximately 16 miles northeast of Virginia City, moving east at 15 mph. Radar detected rotation, and the warning remained in effect until 2:15 p.m. for Storey County, Southern Washoe County, and North-central Lyon County. The storm was expected to linger near Derby Dam around 1:40 p.m. before reaching Fernley by 1:55 p.m., with Wadsworth and Fernley-Tiger Field Airport also under threat. The tornado warning highlighted hazards including tornadoes, quarter-size hail, and flying debris capable of damaging mobile homes, roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees. The NWS urged residents in the warning area to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoiding windows. Those outdoors, in mobile homes, or vehicles were advised to find substantial shelter immediately. Simultaneously, another severe thunderstorm warning was active for the same region. At 1:32 p.m., the NWS reported a storm near Derby Dam, 16 miles east of Reno, moving northeast at 5 mph. This storm could produce golf ball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph, posing risks to people, animals, and infrastructure. The severe thunderstorm warning remained in effect until 2 p.m. for Storey County, South central Washoe County, and Northern Lyon County. Heavy rain from the storms also triggered flash flooding threats around Reno and nearby communities. The NWS issued a flash flood warning for Storey County and South-central Washoe County until 4:15 p.m.#national_weather_service #reno #washoe_county #derby_dam #storey_county
Winter Storm Warning and Lake Wind Advisory Issued for Lake Tahoe The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Warning and a Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Lake Wind Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, with southwest winds expected to reach 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to 35 mph. Wave heights of 1 to 3 feet are anticipated on Lake Tahoe. The advisory covers the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties, and Mono County. The Winter Storm Warning is active from 5 a.m. Tuesday to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Heavy snow is expected above 6,500 feet, with accumulations of 4 to 10 inches in that range. Higher mountain peaks could see 12 to 18 inches of snow. At lake level, particularly on the west shore, 1 to 4 inches of snow may fall. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph are possible at lower elevations, including Lake Tahoe, where wave heights reach 1 to 3 feet. Ridgetop winds could gust up to 90 mph at times. The NWS Reno provided a forecast for South Lake Tahoe, listing the following conditions: Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59°F. Light south winds increase to 5 to 10 mph in the morning, with gusts up to 25 mph. A slight chance of showers before 11 p.m., followed by a chance of showers after 2 a.m. The snow level, initially at 7,800 feet, lowers to 7,200 feet after midnight. Tuesday: Rain and snow showers, with some thunder possible. The snow level drops to 6,800 feet, and temperatures peak near 45°F. Southwest winds reach 10 to 15 mph, with a 100% chance of precipitation. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. Wednesday: Snow showers, with temperatures dropping to around 24°F. Southwest winds range from 5 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph.#national_weather_service #lake_tahoe #reno #greater_lake_tahoe_area #lassen_eastern_plumas_eastern_siera_counties
