The National Weather Service in Reno was tracking a series of strong thunderstorms that began at around 5 p.m. that extend from Fernley to Dayton with lighting strikes and rain already arriving in Carson City.
The storms could produce a half inch of hail and winds in excess of 30 mph along with brief heavy rainfall, according to the weather service.
Carson Now reader Donna O'Brien says there's been several power outages and alarms triggered in the Dayton area by the lightning surges. "No serious issues as of yet. Storms seems to be moving on," said O'Brien. As of 5:55 p.m. there were four outages in Lyon County with 536 customers without power, according to NV Energy.
Areas in the thunderstorm zone include Carson City along Highway 395 from Carson City to Douglas County through the Carson Valley, Dayton, Reno, Virginia City, Fernley, Washoe Valley, Spooner Summit, Zephyr Cove, Round Hill and Kingsbury.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is happening with these passing storms, according to the weather service. The storms may affect travelers on Geiger Grade in addition to Highway 50 between Dayton and Carson City. Interstate 580 may also be impacted from South Reno to Carson City.
Drivers should expect strong, gusty winds with rapid visibility reductions. Heavy rainfall may result in ponding of water, according to the weather service.