ALERT: Tornado Watch Active for Lyon County – Take Shelter Now
Tornado Watch Issued for Parts of Lyon County, Nevada: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a tornado watch for a portion of Lyon County, Nevada. This alert was announced on Thursday and remains in effect until approximately 2:15 p.m. local time.
Where Is the Watch in Effect?
The warning area covers communities and rural areas in Lyon County located between:
- Fernley
- Patrick
- Silver Springs
Important: If you live, work, or are traveling through any of these areas, stay alert and be prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued.
What Is a Tornado Watch? (ELI5 Explanation)
Think of a tornado watch like a "heads-up" from weather experts. It means:
- Conditions are right for tornadoes to form — like having all the ingredients for a cake, but the cake isn’t baked yet.
- It does not mean a tornado is happening right now.
- It means you should stay ready and keep an eye on the sky and weather updates.
Watch vs. Warning – Know the Difference!
- Watch = "Be prepared." Tornadoes could happen.
- Warning = "Take action now!" A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar.
What Else Could Happen?
Along with the possibility of tornadoes, the National Weather Service says pea-sized hail is also possible in the watch area.
- Pea-sized hail = about ¼ inch wide (roughly the size of a green pea)
- While small, it can still damage crops, vehicles, and hurt people or pets caught outside.
What Should You Do Right Now? (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to stay safe:
- Stay informed
- Keep a weather radio, phone alerts, or local news (like KOLO) turned on.
- Know your safe place
- Best: Basement or storm shelter
- Good: Interior room on the lowest floor (no windows) — like a bathroom or closet
- Avoid: Mobile homes, vehicles, and rooms with windows
- Prepare a mini emergency kit
- Water, flashlight, phone charger, sturdy shoes, whistle
- Protect your head and neck
- Use a helmet, pillow, or mattress if you need to take cover
- Don’t wait for a warning to act if you see danger
- Dark, rotating clouds? Loud roar like a train? Debris flying? Take cover immediately.
Summary
- A tornado watch is active for parts of Lyon County (Fernley to Silver Springs) until 2:15 p.m. Thursday.
- No tornado has been confirmed yet — but conditions could produce one.
- Pea-sized hail is also possible.
- Stay alert, know your safe spot, and keep checking updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A watch means tornadoes are possible — stay ready. A warning means a tornado has been seen or detected by radar — take shelter immediately.
How will I know if a warning is issued for my exact location?
Enable wireless emergency alerts (WEA) on your phone, follow the National Weather Service Reno on social media, or listen to NOAA Weather Radio.
Can tornadoes really happen in Nevada?
Yes! While rare, Nevada does get tornadoes — especially in spring and early summer. Most are weak (EF-0 or EF-1), but they can still cause damage.
What if I’m in a car during a tornado watch?
If a warning is issued or you see a tornado: Do not try to outrun it. Get out, find a low ditch or sturdy building, and protect your head.
Where can I get the latest updates?
Check weather.gov/reno, the NWS Reno Twitter (@NWSReno), or local news like KOLO 8 News Now.