Wet storm predicted mid-week

A strong storm system next week is forecast to drench much of the West, including Carson City and the surrounding area, Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a special weather statement from the National Weather Service in Reno.

"Significant amounts of precipitation are possible in the Sierra and some Western Nevada valley locations Tuesday and Wednesday," the statement reads. "Several inches of rainfall are possible for the Sierra, with up to an inch in the lower elevations around Reno and Carson City."

Next week's storm would bring sharp contrast to the first week of October, which saw freezing temperatures and inches of snow fall in the area, leading ski resorts to start making snow, and Boreal Mountain Resort to open for the season on Friday.

The storm could bring some snow, NWS reports, but only at elevations levels about 8,500 feet, although levels could dip to 7,500 feet Monday evening.

"The recent dry conditions and little-to-no snowpack will preclude flooding of main stem rivers," NWS reports. "However, heavy rainfall will produce rises on smaller creeks and streams and may cause minor flooding in urban settings and near steep terrain."

Strong winds - at times in excess of 100 mph along Sierra ridges - also are expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

High temperatures next week are forecast in the mid-50s to low-60s. Below is an extended forecast, complements of www.noaa.org.