Wet , windy weather blamed for fatal crash

Thursday's wet and windy weather, a harbinger of conditions ahead this weekend, contributed to a fatal multi-vehicle crash just south of Silver Springs.

At least one man was killed and five others injured in the 3:30 p.m. crash Thursday involving nearly a dozen vehicles that temporarily closed U.S. Highway 95-A.

A semi rig and 10 other vehicles were involved in the crash on the highway just south of its intersection with U.S. Highway 50 about 40 miles northeast of Carson City, Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Pat McGill said.

Investigators said high winds and dusty conditions had limited visibility in the area.

McGill said one seriously injured traveler was taken to Washoe Medical Center in a helicopter. At least four others had been taken there in ambulances. No other information on the dead man was available Thursday evening.

A winter storm warning was in effect above 6,500 feet in the Sierra where some snow fell early Thursday.

Today's temperatures in Carson City are expected to reach 59 degrees and southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with off-and-on rain.

Heavy rain is expected at times in the lower elevations and a flash-flood watch was in effect around the Martis fire burn area on the California-Nevada line northwest of Reno.

Above 7,000 feet, snow accumulations of 2 to 4 feet are possible by daybreak Saturday, the National Weather Service said.

Forecasters said storms will bring non-stop winds and intermittent rain to the valleys and snow in the upper elevations though the weekend.

Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain or snow. Snow levels will be from 5,500 feet north to 6,500 feet south. Lows will be 35 to 45 and highs 45 to 55.

Sunday is expected to be partly cloudy with a chance of rain or snow showers. Lows will be 30 to 40 and highs from the upper 40s to the upper 50s.

Veterans Day should be partly cloudy with lows from the upper 20s to the upper 30s and highs from the upper 40s to near 60, forecasters said.

Public safety officials in Carson City reported no serious weather-related problems Thursday.

Meanwhile, power lines were blown down in South Lake Tahoe early Thursday, sparking fires in the city and near Baldwin Beach. Electrical power was knocked out at about 2,000 homes and some businesses until noon.

Rain helped firefighters contain the Baldwin Beach fire to 5 acres while one along Pioneer Trail reached 30 acres and briefly closed the road.