Overturned trailer blocking southbound lane in Washoe Valley; witness says high wind warning flashers disabled

At around 1:20 p.m. Friday afternoon a Carson Now reader sent in a photo of an overturned trailer in Washoe Valley. No law enforcement was on scene at the time.

The witness also stated that the high wind warning flashers which prohibit vehicles over a certain height from being on the road were not active.

Why the flashers are disabled despite it being a red flag warning day with significant gusts already occurring is unknown; we are waiting for a response from NDOT.

Update 5:12 p.m.: NDOT spokesperson Meg Ragonese provided the following response:

Winds are frequently strong on I-580 and sections of Alternate (Old) U.S. 395 between Reno and Carson City.

 NDOT’s wind warning system includes 33 roadside signs which flash during wind-related road closures. Wind alerts are also posted on electronic highway message signs and the 511 Nevada Travel Info system.

Wind speed thresholds are established for different roadway segments. The system continually monitors wind speeds from five roadside monitoring sites. 

During wind gust speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour on I-580 in Washoe Valley or greater than 35 miles per hour on I-580 between Mt. Rose Highway and north Washoe Valley, highway signs automatically post messages prohibiting high-profile vehicles nine feet or taller from traveling through the area. Winds of more than 35 miles per hour on Alternate 395 through the Franktown area also trigger the wind warning system for drivers on Alternate 395.

 NDOT routinely evaluates these wind prohibition thresholds and updates them as appropriate.

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