The storm skiers have been waiting for whipped through the Truckee Meadows Friday, causing a relatively large amount of damage for one afternoon. Heavy winds and relatively heavy snow created poor visibility and slick road conditions.

Winds were so strong around noon that they created what witnesses on the I-80 outside Fernley describe as a dust storm. One commuter, Mark Berghoff, says he was just 10 cars behind a nine vehicle pile-up. One person was killed.

“We were driving through Nevada trying to get through big wind storm, big dust storm, there was no visibility at all. All of a sudden we saw the car stop in front of us and luckily we were able to stop without hitting anyone. [The accident] stopped cars for four or five hours.”

There were several fender benders throughout the region on Friday, including a head-on collision on Mount Rose Highway by Sky Tavern. It involved three cars and sent one person to the hospital. However, there were no further fatalities after the Fernley accident.

During Friday there were mandatory chain requirements on the 395 north of Bordertown and at one point no commercial vehicles were allowed to pass through. Traffic was crawling in many parts.

On the I-80, aside from the major accident, traffic moved slowly and chains were required between Truckee and one mile east of Baxter.

In addition to the one accident on Mount Rose Highway, viewers reported spin-outs and described the highway as a “traffic mess.”

The NHP said they responded to several calls on Highway 28 and 50 in the Carson-Tahoe area. There were icy conditions that caused cars to slide along the road.

As the storm passes, the Nevada Highway Patrol is asking drivers to keep driving slowly.
Temperatures will continue to be low throughout the weekend and there is possibility of icy roads in some parts.

If you’re heading over the Sierra Friday night or throughout the weekend, make sure you’re prepared for snowy roads and the possibility of chain controls.

For up-to-date information on road conditions in Nevada you can dial
5-1-1.