Winter storm to continue through weekend

With rain in the forecast through the night Friday and snow expected by mid-morning today, it looks like Northern Nevada can finally say goodbye to its record-breaking winter dry spell.

According to Jessica Kielhorn, a meteorologist technician for the National Weather Service in Reno, a strong Pacific storm was expected to dump several inches of snow in the mountains and up to an inch on Carson City after the full night of rain.

Scott Magruder, public information officer for the Nevada Department of Transportation, said crews would be out on the highways plowing and sanding where necessary, but advised extra caution on mountain roads.

The Washoe Drive Fire, which had caused Highway 395 to be closed from north Carson City to the Mt. Rose Highway, remained closed throughout the day Friday while NV Energy and highway crews cleaned up and made repairs.

"The wood in the guard rails burned completely in different areas, and jumped the highway, but the new freeway was not affected," Magruder said.

Crews were out most of Friday rebuilding the guardrails while street sweepers cleaned debris off the roadway, he said.

NV Energy spokeswoman Faye Anderson said about 35 power poles were damaged and 25 had been replaced by Friday morning.

"We restored power to all but 200 customers, and it will take awhile to get them all back on," Anderson said.

She urged anyone still without power to call 775-834-4100 so that all homes needing power can be accounted for.

For the next winter storm, another round of gusty winds, colder temperatures, rain and snow are possible Sunday night into Monday morning, according to the NWS.