ER busy with falls from icy conditions

Icy steps, porches, streets, parking lots and sidewalks have increased the number of orthopedic injuries treated at Carson-Tahoe Hospital's emergency room, hospital spokeswoman Cheri Glockner said Tuesday.

Exact numbers were not available from the busy department, but Glockner said things were finally slowing down after the weekend.

Carson City can expect a short break from snow today and Thursday before another storm rolls in Thursday night, bringing snow through Sunday.

"The brief clearing, high-moisture content in the air and light winds could create some patchy fog," said National Weather Service specialist Rudy Cruz.

He said the storm will begin Thursday night, when it starts clouding up again, with a chance of snow.

"Snow is likely on Friday, Friday night, Saturday, Saturday night, Sunday - and here's when things change - we get a chance of snow Sunday night."

The two-day respite from snow will allow for blue skies, but temperatures will be a bit lower, Cruz said.

The highs today and Thursday will be in the mid-30s to 40s. Highs over the weekend will dip to the mid-20s to mid-30s. With the clear skies, the low this morning and Thursday will hover between 15 and 25, ensuring that icy conditions will continue.

The American Physical Therapy Association's Web site - iamfitforlife.com - lists the following tips to help prevent falling:

Clear paths of ice and snow, use care when exiting vehicles, wear rubber-soled and low-heeled shoes, and make sure walkways are well lit. Alcoholic beverages, tranquilizers, heart medications, blood pressure medicine, mood-altering drugs and over-the-counter-medications can also increase the risk of falling because of drowsiness, dizziness and slowed reflexes.

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SNOWFALL AMOUNTS

Snowfall amounts for January:

• Carson City - 2 to 8 inches, depending on elevation

Last 24 hours - trace

• Dayton - 7 inches

Last 24 hours - trace

• Reno - 12 inches

Last 24 hours - trace

• Minden - 5 inches

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• Virginia City - 24 inches

Last 24 hours - 1 inch

• Heavenly - 6 feet 1 inch

Last 24 hours - 1 to 1 1/2 inches

• Alpine Meadows - 6 feet 4 inches

Last 24 hours - 4 inches at mid mountain

• Squaw Valley - 25 inches

Last 24 hours - 1

• Northstar - 35 inches

Last 24 hours - 1 to 2 inches

• Homewood - 58 inches

Last 24 hours - 1 to 3

Sources: National Weather Service and ski area reports