Reno and much of northern Nevada will experience strong and potentially hazardous wind conditions on Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno, as a Wind Advisory remains in effect from early morning through late Friday night.
The advisory covers northern Washoe County, the Surprise Valley, and Lassen County, where southwest wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour are expected. In exposed ridges and wind-prone locations, particularly along U.S. Highway 395 in Lassen County, gusts could locally reach 65 miles per hour. These winds may create difficult driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans, and RVs. Strong crosswinds could also make travel hazardous in open areas and mountain passes.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, including patio furniture, trash cans, and holiday decorations, as strong gusts may easily blow unsecured objects around. Power disruptions are also possible in areas that experience the strongest winds.
In addition to land impacts, a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for Pyramid Lake from 7 AM Friday until midnight Friday night. Southwest winds are expected to gust up to 40 miles per hour, producing wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. These conditions will make the lake choppy and hazardous, particularly for small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards, which may be prone to capsizing.
Boaters are strongly encouraged to exercise extreme caution or avoid being on the water altogether until conditions improve. Even experienced operators may find handling difficult in rapidly changing wave and wind conditions.
The National Weather Service advises staying weather-aware throughout the day on Friday and monitoring updates, especially if travel or outdoor activities are planned. With strong winds affecting both land and water, taking precautions now can help reduce the risk of damage, injury, or dangerous situations across northern Nevada.
