Freeway through Washoe Valley may close this afternoon

State officials have warned they may shut down the freeway through

Washoe Valley this afternoon and evening because of a storm which

could produce white-out conditions.

Trooper Chuck Allen of the Nevada Highway Patrol said troopers will

be posted at both the north and south ends of Washoe Valley to divert

traffic if weather conditions deteriorate as predicted by the

National Weather Service.

If that occurs, Allen said northbound traffic will exit at East Lake

interchange and use East Lake Boulevard to Washoe Hill where they

will rejoin the Highway 395.

He said Southbound traffic will exit at the Bowers Mansion turnoff

and use State Route 429 along the west side of Washoe Valley,

rejoining U.S. 395 at Lakeview Hill.

Allen said the primary danger is lack of visibility from blowing snow

and high winds.