Weather
Nevada Flood Watch Oct 10-11: Ely, Tonopah Face Flash Flood Risk Overnight
Elko, NV – Residents and travelers across eastern and south central Nevada face an increasing threat of flash flooding, mudslides and dangerous debris flows beginning Saturday night as heavy rainfall
By Owen Prescott · 2026-10-10T14:22:01.768Z
Elko, NV – Residents and travelers across eastern and south central Nevada face an increasing threat of flash flooding, mudslides and dangerous debris flows beginning Saturday night as heavy rainfall moves toward mountainous terrain and areas previously damaged by wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Elko, a Flood Watch takes effect at 11 p.m. PDT Saturday and continues through late Sunday night, covering portions of Elko, White Pine and Nye counties.
Affected communities include Ely, Tonopah, West Wendover, McGill, Lund, Round Mountain, Duckwater, Manhattan and surrounding areas.
The watch also includes the Ruby Mountains, East Humboldt Range and other mountainous locations across eastern Nevada.
Forecasters expect widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms as deep tropical moisture moves northward and interacts with an upper level low pressure system.
Moderate to locally heavy rainfall could generate excessive runoff, causing rivers, creeks and streams to rise while increasing the potential for flash flooding.
Areas affected by previous wildfires face an especially serious threat.
The Weather Service specifically identifies burn scars from the Ward, Kearny, Oxley, Secret Pass, Star Valley, Jones and Egberts fires as locations where flash flooding and debris flows could develop.
Burned landscapes often absorb less rainfall, allowing water, mud, rocks and debris to move rapidly downhill during intense precipitation.
Steep terrain, mountain roads and poorly drained urban locations may also experience hazardous conditions.
Drivers traveling through eastern Nevada should remain alert for flooded roadways, falling rocks and debris accumulating near mountain slopes.
Residents near former wildfire areas should monitor changing conditions and prepare to respond quickly if warnings are issued.
A Flood Watch means dangerous flooding is possible, but not necessarily occurring.
The National Weather Service urges residents to follow updated forecasts as the rainfall threat continues through Sunday night.