Wet storm arrives in Valley today

A half-inch of rain fell in Minden since 7 a.m. today in the first day of what promises to be a wet week.

Minor street flooding occurred both in Carson Valley and at Lake Tahoe where a large rock rolled onto Highway 50 at Cedar Brook.

A flood watch for western Nevada will continue through Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service warns that flooding of small creeks and streams is likely and that the main stems of the Carson and Walker rivers will see a significant rise.

According to the National Weather Service, a strong warm storm will raise snow levels to 8,500 feet in the Carson Range, bring the possibility of flooding on the Carson River.

Snow levels will be at 9,000 feet in Mono County bringing the possibility of flooding on the Walker River.

The storm is predicted to produce 3-5 feet of snow above 8,500 feet in the Sierra above Carson Valley.

The cold front behind this storm is expected to arrive in the Valley on Tuesday morning bringing the snow levels down to the Valley floors. The National Weather Service is predicting several inches of snow accumulation in the Valleys and 6-12 inches up to 7,000 feet.

A colder storm is expected to arrive on Wednesday night and keep on until Friday. Snow may make it down to the Valley floors with the greatest potential for snow on Thursday night in Western Nevada.

As of Monday morning, chains or snow tires are required over Mt. Rose and there is a wind advisory on Highway 395 through Washoe Valley.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey gauge, the East Fork of the Carson River is running at 4.93 feet, much lower than its flood stage of 9.5 feet.

The river is expected to crest early Tuesday morning.