Special Weather Statement, NWS Reno, NV

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Reno NV
1221 PM PDT Sun Aug 6 2017

.SYNOPSIS...

Low pressure stalled over northern California will produce
thunderstorms with heavy rainfall possible through midweek. A few
storms could become severe and produce flash flooding this
afternoon and evening. Drier weather returns late in the week.
Temperatures will remain slightly below average through Wednesday,
followed by some warming.

&&

.SHORT TERM...

Upper area of low pressure remains nearly stationary over northern
California, keeping a steady stream of moisture into the Sierra and
northwest Nevada. With clear skies to start the morning, outside of
central NV eastward, it helped to destabilize the atmosphere
further. The 12z and 18z KRNO soundings showed a cap around 500 mb,
which may hold off initial convection until early afternoon, but
will also allow storms to get going faster once it breaks. The HRRR
agrees with this idea with rapid storm development after about 20z,
or 1 pm local time.

When modifying the KRNO sounding, was able to get 500-1000 J/kg of
CAPE and -4 LI, which lines up with forecast model soundings as
well. Forecast soundings are also indicating increasing PWATs
through the day, pushing toward nearly 1" by late afternoon. This
value, climatologically, is indicative of increased flash flood
risk, especially given the fact that storm motions overall will be
less than 10-15 kts. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through
this evening for much of northeast California and northwest Nevada,
with a heightened risk for recent burn scars and steep terrain. The
Tahoe Basin and eastern Sierra was kept out of the watch due to the
westerly zephyr afternoon winds helping to push any storms that do
develop eastward. The greatest storm risk today will be locally
heavy rainfall. Gusty outflow winds in excess of 50 mph, small
hail, and frequent lightning area all risks as well. Today may
bring a mix of severe storms and flash flooding based on the
current forecast parameters. Showers and isolated thunderstorms
are likely to continue into the overnight hours as well.

PWATs remain high, just over 1" according to KRNO forecast
soundings, through midweek with the upper low remaining over north
central California. The big question at this time is the amount of
lingering cloud cover. Frequently, we can become clouded over once
the atmosphere becomes that moist, which then ends up limiting
thunderstorm coverage; this was what happened Saturday. Forecast
models and sounding are indicating increasing amounts of CAPE
through Wednesday, however extensive cloud cover could keep this
from being fully realized. Will maintain scattered thunderstorm
coverage in the forecast Monday-Wednesday at this time with
locally heavy rainfall likely to be the greatest threat. -Dawn

.LONG TERM...

Upper low begins to shift eastward by the end of the week with some
increase in southwest flow. This will finally start to bring a
drying trend to the region, however there will be enough lingering
moisture and instability for a few storms to form Thursday and Friday
afternoons, especially near favorable convergence zones. A warming
trend is also on tap for the end of the week going into the weekend,
with high temperatures about 5 degrees above normal.

An upper low moves into the Pacific Northwest coast for the start of
next week which is likely to increase southwest to west winds across
the eastern Sierra and northwest Nevada. The current forecast
position of the low should keep a dry and stable airmass over the
region and thunderstorms are not anticipated. -Dawn

&&

.AVIATION...

Fairly widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected this
afternoon and evening bringing locally heavy rainfall, gusty and
erratic outflow winds of 40 kts or greater, small hail, and frequent
lightning. Storms are expected to form between 19-21z and continue
through approximately 04-06z this evening. A few showers with
isolated thunderstorms may continue through the night. Storms may
obscure terrain and bring localized MVFR-IFR conditions.

Chances for a thunderstorm to pass over a terminal and best timing
for each location today (Sunday) are:

KRNO and KCXP: 60% 20z-01z

KTVL and KTRK: 40% 20z-23z

KMMH: 50% 19z-00z

KLOL and KNFL: 60% 21z-04z

Ongoing wildfires continue to bring hazy conditions to the region,
but the overall flow and recent precipitation has helped to
improve visibility today compared to Saturday. -Dawn

&&

.REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
NV...Flash Flood Watch until 10 PM PDT this evening NVZ001-003>005.

CA...Flash Flood Watch until 10 PM PDT this evening CAZ070-071.

&&

For more information from the National Weather Service visit...
http://weather.gov/reno

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Reno NV
338 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

NVZ003-004-062315-
Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake NV-
Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area NV-
338 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

...STRONG STORM DEVELOPING NEAR PYRAMID LAKE...

At 337 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Virginia Peak, or 16 miles south of Pyramid Lake, moving northeast at
20 mph.

Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm. Boater should seek safe harbor immediately.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If on or near a lake, get out of the water and move indoors or inside
a vehicle now. Don't be caught on the water in a thunderstorm. Strong
wind gusts and lightning pose an immediate danger to boaters. Gusty
winds will cause a rapid increase in wave heights which may capsize
small boats.

&&

LAT...LON 3975 11955 3983 11962 4004 11948 3990 11931
TIME...MOT...LOC 2237Z 226DEG 16KT 3982 11955

TF

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Reno NV
355 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

NVZ003-062330-
Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area NV-
355 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

...VERY HEAVY RAIN OCCURRING IN PALOMINO VALLEY...

At 351 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southwest of Sutcliffe, or 18 miles south of Pyramid Lake,
moving northwest at 5 mph.

Very heavy rain, small hail, and winds in excess of 30 mph will be
possible with this storm.

This storm is affecting route 445 and the northern end of Palomino
Valley.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Very heavy rainfall is occurring with this storm. Expect ponding of
water on roadways. In areas of steep terrain, minor rock slides are
possible. Drivers should slow down and turn on their headlights if
encountering heavy rains.

&&

LAT...LON 3977 11962 3974 11974 3986 11981 3991 11967
      3982 11961
TIME...MOT...LOC 2251Z 157DEG 4KT 3981 11968

MB

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Reno NV
450 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

NVZ003>005-070115-
Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake NV-
Northern Washoe County NV-Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area NV-
450 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

...STRONGER STORMS POSSIBLE FOR RURAL AREAS FROM NORTHERN PYRAMID
LAKE THROUGH GERLACH...

At 445 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a series of stronger
thunderstorms in the vicinity of northern Pyramid Lake, the Smoke
Creek Desert, Gerlach, Empire, and the Black Rock Desert. This area
has the best chances of seeing stronger storms this evening.

Half inch hail, wind gusts around 50 mph, very heavy rain, and areas
of blowing dust will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Gerlach, Pyramid Lake, Gerlach-Empire, Old Razorback Mountain,
Empire, Tohakum Peak, Dry Mountain, Sand Pass, Smoke Creek Desert,
Empire Airport, Kumiva Peak, The Needle Rocks, Granite Peak, Juniper
Mountain and Twin Peaks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Heavy rainfall is occurring with these storms. Expect ponding of
water on roadways. In areas of steep terrain, minor rock slides are
possible. Drivers should slow down and turn on their headlights if
encountering heavy rains.

&&

LAT...LON 4094 11930 4094 11885 4007 11902 4005 11963
      4012 11998 4077 11999
TIME...MOT...LOC 2345Z 000DEG 0KT 4036 11966

MB

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Reno NV
531 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

CAZ071-NVZ003-005-070115-
Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties CA-
Northern Washoe County NV-Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area NV-
531 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS NEAR DOYLE ...

At 529 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Frenchman Lake, or 3 miles south of Doyle. This storm was nearly
stationary.

Nickel size hail, cloud to ground lightning strikes and winds in
excess of 45 mph will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Portions of Highway 395 from Doyle to Hallelujah Junction.

 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 4007 11980 3970 11979 3970 12029 4007 12028
TIME...MOT...LOC 0029Z 240DEG 0KT 3991 12008

TF

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO NV
553 PM PDT SUN AUG 06 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0549 PM     DEBRIS FLOW      1 S SUTCLIFFE           39.94N 119.60W
08/06/2017                   WASHOE             NV   DEPT OF HIGHWAYS

            NEVADA DOT REPORTS DEBRIS AND ROCKS ON HIGHWAY 445 JUST
            SOUTH OF SUTCLIFFE WITH ALL LANES BLOCKED.

&&

PFUENTES

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Reno NV
556 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

CAZ071-070200-
Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties CA-
556 PM PDT SUN AUG 6 2017

...STRONG THUNDERSTORM MOVING TOWARD HIGHWAY 36 THROUGH 7
PM...

At 553 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles northeast of Crescent Mills, or 21 miles north of Quincy,
moving north at 15 mph.

Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm. Brief heavy rain is also possible with this storm. The
heavy rain could cause ponding of water on Highway 36 along with
minor rock slides in steeper terrain.

Locations impacted include...
Westwood and Fredonyer Pass.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm will affect travelers on Highway 36 between Fredonyer
Pass and Westwood. Drivers should expect strong gusty cross winds
with rapid visibility reductions. Heavy rainfall will result in
ponding of water. Slow down when encountering heavy rain and turn on
your headlights.

&&

LAT...LON 4047 12106 4052 12068 4020 12067 4018 12088
      4020 12089 4019 12090 4019 12093 4022 12097
TIME...MOT...LOC 0053Z 170DEG 12KT 4022 12083