Big winds tip big rigs in Washoe Valley

Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol assisted with separate calls regarding overturned big-rigs in Washoe Valley.

With strong winds prevailing all morning long, large trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers were prohibited from traveling on US 395 through Washoe Valley.

A wind advisory is expected to expire at 4 p.m.

At about 9:30 am, a semi-truck and trailer on the alternate route, SR 429 (Old US 395), blew over as it was traveling south a short distance from Bellevue Road. The driver was not injured and his vehicle was blocking the north bound lane of this roadway.

A short time later, the highway was also closed to truck and trailer traffic as the strong winds continued to blow. At approximately 10:45 am, a truck driver failed to obey the clearly posted traffic signs and continued south on 395 from Bowers Mansion in his big rig. Near mile marker 6, his truck and trailer blew over and came to rest in the center dirt median area.

He was initially trapped in his vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center by REMSA.

Recovery crews will most likely have to wait until the winds let up before up-righting the two vehicles.

"Today is a perfect example why large trucks, trailers, RV's, buses and other high profile vehicles are prohibited from proceeding through Washoe Valley when the signs and reader boards are posted indicating the highway is closed due to wind warnings," Trooper Chuch Allen said. "We were very fortunate that no one was seriously hurt this morning. Not only are the chances for a truck and trailer to blow over an increased possibility when the wind warnings are in effect, the risk of a truck blowing over onto a smaller vehicle is a much greater public safety concern."