Gusty Winds, Rain Cause Power Outages in Reno-Tahoe

An atmospheric river brings high winds and precipitation to the Sierra Nevada region.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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An atmospheric river system moved into the Reno-Tahoe area on Tuesday, bringing gusty winds and light rain to the region. The high winds have caused power outages across the area, with utility crews working to restore electricity to affected customers.

Why it matters

Powerful winds and heavy precipitation from atmospheric river events can lead to significant damage and disruption, including power outages, downed trees, and hazardous travel conditions. This storm is the latest in a series of winter weather systems that have impacted the Reno-Tahoe region in recent months.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories for the Reno-Tahoe area, with gusts expected to reach up to 50 mph. The high winds have caused power lines to fall, resulting in outages for thousands of customers across the region. Local utility companies have dispatched crews to restore power as quickly as possible.

  • The atmospheric river system moved into the Reno-Tahoe area on Tuesday morning.
  • Wind advisories are in effect until 8 PM local time on Tuesday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather warnings and forecasts for the United States.

Local utility companies

The electricity providers serving the Reno-Tahoe region, working to restore power to affected customers.

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What’s next

Utility crews will continue working to restore power to affected customers throughout the day and into the evening as the high winds subside.

The takeaway

This storm serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.