Nevada City, CA – Blizzard conditions Friday through Saturday morning could cause road closures and power outages across Nevada County due to downed trees and white-out travel conditions. Current forecasts include 5-10 feet of snow above 5000 feet, 1-4 feet above 3000 feet, low snow down to 2000 feet, and wind gusts up to 65 miles per hour. Cold temperatures are forecasted to continue through Monday, although heavy snow or rain is forecasted to taper out starting Sunday. Take advantage of the dry conditions now to prepare.
How to Prepare
Prepare Yourself
- Monitor the forecast and stay tuned to trusted news sources. Weather forecasts change, but the current storm is forecasted to have extreme impacts throughout our region.
- Fuel up vehicles and generators, and stock up on extra fuel for equipment such as snow blowers and chainsaws.
- Plan for your heat source. Fill up propane tanks if you have a permanent generator, and stock up on dry firewood if you have a wood stove. Have a plan for where (and how) you will go if your home becomes too cold during a winter storm power outage.
- Charge your devices, including battery packs, cell phones, and tablets, and have flashlights, candles, batteries, headlamps, and lanterns ready.
- Stock up on shelf-stable groceries, including water, pet food, and nonperishables.
- Make sure you have a supply of any prescription medication. If you use life-sustaining medical devices, please contact FREED at (530) 477-3333 if you need support.
Prepare Your Property
- Review the safety guidelines in your generator’s operation manual.
- Create a plan for snow removal on private driveways or roadways.
- Consider where to park your vehicle so you can get to town easily, but please don’t park a vehicle where it would obstruct County snowplow operations.
Check on Others
- Look out for one another. Check on neighbors, family, and friends before and during storm events who may need an extra hand in harsher conditions. Your neighbors can be your greatest resource during a storm!
- Unhoused residents can go to the Cold Weather Shelter in Nevada City Friday-Sunday nights or the Emergency Warming Center in Truckee Thursday-Saturday nights.
Find more winter preparedness tips at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/WinterPreparedness.
County road crews are readying equipment for snowplow operations. Help keep roadways safe by reporting downed trees or issues on County maintained roadways at www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/ServiceRequest. Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1 and to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or to Truckee Public Utility District at (530) 587-3896. Never touch or walk in the immediate area of a downed powerline; assume it is energized and extremely dangerous.
Find storm updates at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/StormInfo. Call 1-833-DIAL211 to connect with local resources. If it’s an emergency, please call 9-1-1.