Flood Watch March 2023

Watch your step! Flood waters often hide sharp and dangerous debris like broken glass and metal.

Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear like boots, gloves, and safety glasses when it comes to moving debris.

Hands off! Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm or if it is wet to prevent being electrocuted.

Flooded homes are hazards! Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.

Avoid walking in floodwater. It can be contaminated with oil, gasoline, or sewage.

Use generators or other gas powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.

The County also offers a damage assessment tool that allows the public to report flood damage. This is a simple tool used by Douglas County to keep a log of the issues during an event so staff can utilize the data for future Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) needs, or repairs in an effort to reduce damage during a future event. The tool can be accessed here.

According to the National Weather Service, the region will experience "Periods of heavy rain and snow today into this evening with flooding, travel, and snow loading concerns. Widespread strong winds looking more likely this afternoon and evening, with some localized damage possible. More of a weather break Wednesday into Friday for many areas. High flows, possibly to near monitor or flood stages, on some rivers and streams lingering into Thursday or Friday. Storm door opens back up starting Saturday night or Sunday. Possible larger storm mid-next week but looks colder and confidence is mixed."

With localized flooding and excessive snow buildup in many parts of the county—and another atmospheric river event on the way Monday, March 13—the time to prepare for the next round of storms is now. On Friday, March 10, The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency, followed by a declaration of emergency from Governor Joe Lombardo. The County is advising the public to assess their individual situations and gather the necessary flood preparedness and emergency supplies when safe to do so.

On Saturday, March 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the region will experience, “Continued snow impacts, especially for the mountains with rain or snow showers for lower elevations this weekend. The next atmospheric river brings wind, flood, and snow impacts late Monday into Tuesday and Wednesday.”

The County has activated an emergency operations center to more effectively respond to needs around the county, as well as a flood hotline. Residents can call 775-783-6038 to report any non-emergency-related flood concerns. The hotline is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Please call 911 for flood emergencies.