Publication Date February 8, 2017 | The Weather Channel

Heavy Rain, Rapid Snowmelt Causes Flooding, Mudslides in Parts of Nevada, California

United States
An overturned vehicle blocks a south bound lane next to a mudslide on Highway 17, Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
An overturned vehicle blocks a south bound lane next to a mudslide on Highway 17, Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

Article Excerpt

Heavy rain and rapid snowmelt in the Sierra Mountains had led to widespread flooding in parts of Nevada and California, triggering mudslides and road washouts.

According to the Elko Sheriff's Department in Nevada, the record rapid snowmelt and subsequent flooding is a "life-threatening" situation. Authorities have warned motorists to refrain from driving on flooded roads.

"Widespread overland flooding from excessive rain and snowmelt is occurring," the National Weather Service reports. "Many dirt roads in the warning area have reported washouts or flooding and structures in Osino are being impacted by the flooding. Additional streams exiting the higher terrain and flowing into valleys are also likely flooding.

The latest in a series of storms for the West rolled in on Tuesday, and since this was a warmer storm, it brought higher snow levels along with heavy rainfall. With grounds already saturated from January's barrage of winter storms, the region is now very prone to flooding, said weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce.