Severe weather ahead

A repeat of Wednesday's thunderstorms, which called for severe thunderstorm warnings in Churchill, Storey, Lyon and Washoe counties is expected this afternoon, said the National Weather Service in Reno.

The storm produced 1/2 to 3/4 inches of rain over an hour's time in Silver Springs and more than 1 inch of rain in 30 minutes near Pyramid Lake and Whiskey Springs. A report of 1/2 to 3/4-inch hail in Palomino Valley was also called in to the National Weather Service in Reno.

"Other reports were mostly of heavy rains," said Jane Hollingsworth, meteorologist with the NWS.

According to Lyon County Sheriff's Department, water was 6-10 inches deep in some parts of Stagecoach. Deputies requested additional personnel to assist with traffic control and Sierra Pacific Power Co. and Southwest Gas were called to restore power and assess any damage to utilities. Lyon County Road Department responded with heavy equipment to remove debris.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued around 6:40 p.m. for the four counties.

"We have a variety of (weather predicting tools) to look at that will give us an indication whether it will produce large hail. Things like satellite, radar and surface readings."

Hollingsworth said thunderstorms are less likely to occur in Carson City as the area is a little more stable with less moisture.

"The fact we have moisture and very warm air at the surface, then cooler aloft (upper levels), creates instability. This happens in the real heat of the day which allows clouds to develop. Further into the day the clouds develop higher in the atmosphere."

The hottest time of the day is typically between 4 and 6 p.m.

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

- If driving and visibility becomes poor, pull over. Do not drive across a flooded roadway or if water is running across a roadway.

- When there is lightning, go and stay indoors if possible. If outside, sit crouched down on the balls of your feet and protect your head. Do not sit under a tree or lay flat.