High Wind in Northern Washoe, Nevada

A strong cold front moving through northern California on December 14 brought near-record nigh winds to northeast California and western Nevada. Wind gusts reports in the 60-80 mph range were common throughout the day across the entire region, with a few gusts near 100 mph. Remote wind sensors along the Sierra Crest measured wind gusts in excess of 130 mph. Strongest winds occurred just before the cold front moved into the area at about 5:30 p.m. Literally hundreds of trees and thousands of tree limbs were blown down across the region. In addition, there was widespread damage to roofs, fences, commercial billboards and signs, and power lines. Numerous power outages occurred, some lasting for several days after the event in rural areas. In Carson City, the entire roof of an apartment building was torn off by wind gusts estimated at 90 mph. Across much of western Nevada, blowing dust and debris created near zero visibilities at times, resulting in temporary closures of highways in Mineral, Lyon, Pershing and Churchill counties. A few relatively minor traffic accidents resulted from the low visibilities. Several tractor-trailer rigs were also blown off highways or blown over by the strong winds. From these accidents, a few minor injuries were reported but fortunately no serious injuries or deaths were reported. The regional electric utility lost 140 power poles and 18 transmission line due to the strong winds, with damages and repair costs estimated at over $3M. Total regional wind damage costs were estimated at nearly $10M.