Reno Daily: Storm Impacts, Western Lights Finale, And A Busy Weekend Downtown

Storm keeps travel tricky, snow record falls

Reno is still digging out after a powerful winter storm that pushed regional snow totals to remarkable levels and disrupted travel across the Sierra. Palisades Tahoe reported more than six feet of snow over three days, while Interstate 80 and other key mountain routes have seen extended closures or chain controls as crews work to clear ice and manage avalanche danger. At the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, travelers have faced delays and cancellations tied to the storm, and officials are urging passengers to check flight status before heading out.

Closer to home, Reno set another daily snowfall record at the airport this week, underscoring how intense this system has been for the valley as well as the high country. City officials have also reminded residents to clear snow from gas meters to avoid service problems as temperatures stay low.

Western Lights Festival lights up downtown core

Despite the cold, downtown streets are glowing as the Western Lights Festival continues through Saturday night. The free illuminated arts festival has transformed the City Plaza and surrounding blocks with large-scale light installations, interactive pieces, roaming performers, and family-friendly activities. Organizers describe Western Lights as a community celebration of art and innovation, with multiple stages, vendors, and workshops running each evening.

New this year are VIP options that add access to a heated lounge at City Plaza and glow-in-the-dark bowling inside the National Bowling Stadium. While the main festival remains free, proceeds from VIP passes support participating artists and help keep the event going in future years.

Weekend events: bull riding and local giving

Indoors, the Reno Events Center is hosting the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, bringing professional bull riding back to town for a two-day stop. The event is expected to draw fans from across northern Nevada and the Sierra region, offering a high-energy break from the snowy weather.

Earlier today, community members also turned out at Reno Public Market for the inaugural #LiveLifeLikeKT blood drive. The event, held in honor of local cancer warrior Katie Histing, invited residents to donate blood, support patients facing serious illness, and celebrate a message of resilience and community care.

Looking ahead

With more winter weather possible in the high country, authorities continue to stress cautious travel, especially through the passes. In the city, the focus shifts to enjoying the final night of Western Lights, navigating lingering slick roads, and settling into a late-February weekend that highlights both Reno’s creative side and its strong community spirit.

Sources

• https://dailyrenonews.com/
• https://westernlightsfestival.com/
• https://www.freshbakin.com/events/western-lights-illuminated-arts-festival-2026/
• https://www.kolotv.com/
• https://www.2news.com/video/reno-breaks-another-daily-snow-record-at-the-airport/