Wind advisory affecting the Greater Lake Tahoe Area until early Monday morning – wind gusts up to 55 mph

The National Weather Institution distributed a wind advisory at p m on Sunday in effect until Monday May at a m for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area The NWS Reno NV says to expect Southwest winds to mph with gusts up to mph Ridgetop gusts up to mph On Lake Tahoe hazardous boating conditions with wave heights of to feet Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects Tree limbs could be blown down and a limited power outages may consequence Intricate driving conditions are achievable for high profile vehicles the NWS disclosed Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture decorations and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand flashlights with spare batteries and or candles in the event of a power outage High wind alerts Your guide to safety When it comes to high wind alerts understanding the levels of exposure is crucial The NWS classifies them into three distinct categories High wind warning Take action Sustained strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening Seek shelter If you are driving keep both hands on the wheel and slow down Wind advisory Take action Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving High wind watch Be prepared Sustained strong winds are feasible Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you re not caught outside How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines Secure loose gutters and shutters Identify an interior room of your house such as a basement or interior bathroom that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings If you live in a mobile home identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw which you might need to clear debris Update your urgency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for days for each person in your home Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don t blow away or fly through a window When the NWS issues a high wind watch right now secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up How to act during strong winds Take shelter Promptly go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement If you are in a mobile home move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location If caught outside or driving Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building If doable drive to a nearby sturdy building Otherwise move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines If no shelter is available avoid trees power lines and the side of the road Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live Do not go near them Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris If you are driving and aren t near a sturdy building hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks buses and vehicles towing trailers One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side What to do after strong winds subside Do not go near downed power lines Statement downed power lines to the police Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard