Gusts topped 71 miles per hours in the Reno/Sparks area today as police and public works staff kept busy with wind-related havoc.

Several roofs blew off of buildings in Sparks and Sparks police dispatchers reported that the hood of a car had blown free. According to dispatchers, 54 calls for service were received between noon and 2 p.m., most of which were wind related.

As of 2 p.m., Nevada Highway Patrol is reporting one accident on northern Nevada roads, east of Fernley. The accident was fatal.

National Weather Service officials reported gusts at 84 miles per hour near Truckee Meadows Community College and trees, power poles and fences falling to the wind.

However, according to NOAA meteorologist Scott McGuire, the winds are expected to die down as snow and rain move into the area.

“The strongest gusts were expected between 1 and 4 p.m.,” he said.

The weather service has a strong wind warning in effect until 4 p.m. and all high profile vehicles are prohibited from traveling through the Washoe Valley area.