Rain tapers off in valley as Red Rock, mountains get snow

The latest wave of storms and showers will make its way into Nevada today, causing the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for northeast Clark County and a winter storm warning for the mountains.

The flood alert in Clark County is from 10 a.m. today through Friday afternoon, the weather service said. Heavy rainfall is expected in the afternoon, with possible thunderstorms hitting the Las Vegas Valley around 4 p.m.

Weather service forecaster Clay Morgan said Las Vegas has received 0.8 inches of rain in the past two days. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected, which could cause rises in rivers and normally dry washes, he said.

The Muddy River in the Moapa Valley is expected to rise significantly on Friday, but crest "just below flood stage" by that afternoon, the weather service said. Low-lying areas near the river should expect flooding.

Morgan said the latest report indicates the water level for the river will peak at about 12.3 feet on Friday. The earliest "impact level" is 11 feet, he said, which is the point where low-lying areas will experience flooding.

"Flood stage is 15 feet," he said. "Everybody who lives in the area should know the danger areas and stay out of there."

The winter storm warning remains in effect for the Spring Mountains and Sheep Range until 4 a.m. Friday. One to 2 feet of snow is expected in areas above 7,000 feet by early Friday morning, the weather service said. Strong winds will cause blowing and drifting of snow, making travel almost impossible.

Morgan said the mountains already have received at least 15 inches of snow. An additional 2 feet of snow could be very problematic for residents, he said.

"It’s coming on top of the three rounds of snow we’ve already seen," he said. "We’re not starting on bare ground here."

In the Las Vegas Valley, the weather service said showers will start this morning and continue through the evening. The storm is expected to taper off by late Friday, with only a 20 percent chance of showers before 10 a.m. on Saturday. The rest of the weekend should be clear from rain, the weather service said.

Morgan cautioned drivers to slow down and be safe.

"Leave extra distance for braking on wet roads. Take it nice and slow, and you won’t hydroplane."