Water Damage Restoration in Reno, NV
Reno by the numbers: 25 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 102 freezing nights a year, 29 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Nevada insurance rules and costs.
Updated November 2, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Reno
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
Reno Flood Record
NOAA has 44 flood and flash flood reports for Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties from 2016 to 2025, on 25 separate days; July had the most.
At the Reno 1.4 NNE gauge, January is the wettest month with 1.4 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 1.4 |
| February | 2 | 1.3 |
| March | 2 | 1.2 |
| April | 0 | 0.6 |
| May | 0 | 0.7 |
| June | 4 | 0.5 |
| July | 9 | 0.4 |
| August | 6 | 0.3 |
| September | 0 | 0.2 |
| October | 0 | 0.6 |
| November | 0 | 0.8 |
| December | 1 | 1.4 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Washoe County | 20 | 28 |
| Lyon County | 9 | 9 |
| Storey County | 5 | 7 |
Freezing Nights in Reno
Reno averages 102 nights a year at or below 32°F (Reno WFO station). About 15 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 133 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Reno
Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties were named in 29 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- June 19, 2026: Hail, 1 inch hail (Washoe County)The public reported 1 inch diameter hail 2 miles ESE of Sparks, NV.
- September 13, 2017: Tornado, EF0 (Washoe County)North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District reported a confirmed tornado/waterspout a mile off the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe near Sand Harbor, Nevada.
- July 24, 2017: Thunderstorm wind, 100 mph gust (Lyon County)Eighteen power poles were snapped along Farm District Road, with short dry grass completely stripped from a nearby field.
- January 8, 2017: Flood (Washoe County)Highway 446 was destroyed by flood waters in more than 10 places on the southwest side of Pyramid Lake. Some sections were left with nearly 50-foot deep ravines. The highway was not re-opened to the public until early March.
Federal disaster declarations
- October 2, 2026: Bull FireFire, FEMA FM-5678
- September 1, 2026: Hawk FireFire, FEMA EM-3653
- August 22, 2026: Hawk FireFire, FEMA FM-5674
- August 11, 2026: Stallion FireFire, FEMA FM-5668
- August 11, 2026: Fred Mountain FireFire, FEMA FM-5667
- August 8, 2026: Bug FireFire, FEMA FM-5663
- August 2, 2025: Peavine FireFire, FEMA FM-5602
- June 10, 2025: Marie FireFire, FEMA FM-5586
Reno Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Reno (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 123,756 housing units, a median build year of 1990, 37% built before 1980, 20% before 1970, 50% owner occupied.
Nevada Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Nevada insurers must affirm or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss requirements are completed and submitted (NRS 686A.310).
Claim problems in Nevada go to the Nevada Division of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Reno flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Reno
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
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Questions
When is the first freeze in Reno?
The median first night at or below 32°F is October 27 and the median last is April 28 at the Reno WFO station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, NRS 686A.310, EPA mold guide.