Alert archive / Nevada / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 9, NWS Reno, NV

August 13, 2026Washoe County, Nevada

NWS Reno, NV issued this flash flood warning at Aug 13, 2026, 2:15 PM PDT for Washoe County, Nevada. It was in force for 3 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Aug 13, 2026, 2:15 PM PDT (21:15 UTC)
Expired
Aug 13, 2026, 5:00 PM PDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Reno, NV
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Washoe County, NV

The radar

The Reno radar (KRGX), 7 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:15 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Reno, NV (KREV), launched 12:00Z, 9.3 hours before the alert went out and 104 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Reno, NV at 12:00Z on 2026-08-13Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 640 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Reno, NV at 12:00Z on 2026-08-13The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 28 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
640 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-79 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1516 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
12 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
28 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
67 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

029 
WGUS55 KREV 132115
FFWREV
NVC031-132200-
/O.NEW.KREV.FF.W.0009.260813T2115Z-260813T2200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Reno NV
215 PM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The Stallion Fire burn scar in...
  Southern Washoe County in western Nevada...

* Until 300 PM PDT.

* At 215 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain over the Stallion Fire. Flash flooding is ongoing or
  expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the fire will
  result in debris flows south of Virginia Peak and in Nixon. The
  debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose
  materials.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms in and around the
           Stallion Fire Burn Scar.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Flooding of areas in and around the Stallion Fire Burn
           Scar.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Nixon and Virginia Peak.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause
extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks...streams...and ditches
in the Stallion Fire Burn Scar. Severe debris flows can also be
anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in
places. If you encounter flood waters...climb to safety.

&&

LAT...LON 3987 11940 3978 11947 3971 11949 3968 11941
      3969 11928 3986 11928

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

GG
1 follow-up statement
279 
WGUS55 KREV 132146
FFWREV
NVC031-140000-
/O.EXT.KREV.FF.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260814T0000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Reno NV
246 PM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

The National Weather Service in Reno has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The Stallion Fire burn scar in...
  Southern Washoe County in western Nevada...

* Until 500 PM PDT.

* At 246 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain over the Stallion Fire. Flash flooding is ongoing or
  expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the fire will
  result in debris flows south of Virginia Peak and in Nixon. The
  debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose
  materials.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms in and around the
           Stallion Fire Burn Scar.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Flooding of areas in and around the Stallion Fire Burn
           Scar.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Nixon and Virginia Peak.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause
extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks...streams...and ditches
in the Stallion Fire Burn Scar. Severe debris flows can also be
anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in
places. If you encounter flood waters...climb to safety.

&&

LAT...LON 3987 11940 3978 11947 3971 11949 3968 11941
      3969 11928 3986 11928

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

GG

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Reno, NV wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 13, 12:14 PM PDT, 2 hours 1 minute earlier. Its key messages:

  • * Threats from showers and thunderstorms today include flash flooding, lightning, outflow wind gusts up to 50 mph, and small hail. * 15-30% chance showers and thunderstorms Friday for W NV and the eastern Sierra. * Drier conditions until at least Monday with typical westerly afternoon breezes up to 25 mph.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 13, 12:14 PM PDT, 2 hours 1 minute before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Reno NV
1214 PM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Threats from showers and thunderstorms today include flash
  flooding, lightning, outflow wind gusts up to 50 mph, and small
  hail.

* 15-30% chance showers and thunderstorms Friday for W NV and the
  eastern Sierra.

* Drier conditions until at least Monday with typical westerly
  afternoon breezes up to 25 mph.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Convective initiation has started for the eastern Sierra of Mono
county and and the Sierra Front. Storms will progress
northeastward into W NV until 8pm. The 12Z sounding from Reno had
1000 J/kg of MUCAPE and current model values show MUCAPE between
1000-1200 J/kg this afternoon. PWATs range from 0.6-0.9", which is
above the 90th percentile based on sounding climatology for Reno.
Abundant moisture and slower storm motions will make flooding the
main threat for today. Flash flooding will be possible in urban
areas with debris flows most likely in areas of steep terrain and
near active fires. As such, much of the area is in a Slight
Excessive Rainfall Outlook from the Weather Prediction Center with
a Flash Flood Watch in effect over the same area. For details on
the Flash Flood Watch, please visit www.weather.gov/Reno. Keep an
eye and ear to the skies today and consider postponing outdoor
afternoon activities until after storms move through the area.
Even once storms have ceased, flooding can still remain a concern.
Flooding becomes increasingly difficult to gauge at night; never
drive through flooded roadways!

Lightning, gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph, and small hail can't
be ruled out of the forecast today, as well. Frequent lightning
may produce new fires and with any stronger outflows, new and
current wildfires may spread and/or change direction quickly.
Hail will be of the lesser threat today, with up to 0.5" in
diameter.

Shower and thunderstorm chances taper to 15-30% tomorrow, mainly
south of I-80 and into the eastern Sierra of Mono and Alpine
counties. Storms will be a bit faster in nature and with a drier
surface level, the threat for flooding and heavy rain will rely on
the need for training storms. DCAPE values range from 700-1000
J/kg tomorrow, coinciding with gusty outflows up to 50 mph.

Longer range guidance shows a drying trend for the weekend until
at least Monday. Expect typical afternoon westerly breezes up to
25 mph and warming conditions.

-Giralte

&&

.AVIATION...

Showers and thunderstorms for all terminals except KTRK/KTVL
today. Storms will continue until around 14/02Z, ending sooner
(roughly 14/00Z) for KMMH. Storms will be capable of frequent
lightning and lower CIGS/VIS will bring mountain obscurations for
all terminals. Flooding remains the primary threat, with anywhere
from ponding water to standing water on area runways from the
heaviest storms. MVFR/IFR conditions possible due to heavy
rainfall with gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up to
35 kts today.

VFR conditions expected for all terminals through the weekend,
with the only exception for KMMH/KRNO/KCXP/KMEV due to slight
chances (15-30%) of showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon.

-Giralte

&&

.REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
NV...Flood Watch until 9 PM PDT this evening NVZ001-003.

     Flood Watch from 1 PM this afternoon to 9 PM PDT this evening
     NVZ004.

CA...Flood Watch until 9 PM PDT this evening CAZ073.

&&

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 13, 11:11 AM PDT, 3 hours 4 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Reno NV
1111 AM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

CAZ071>073-NVZ001>005-132000-
Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties CA-
Greater Lake Tahoe Area CA-Mono CA-Greater Lake Tahoe Area NV-
Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake NV-
Northern Washoe County NV-Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area NV-
Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties NV-
1111 AM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

...THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING OVER WESTERN NEVADA...EASTERN SIERRA AND
NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA THROUGH 100 PM PDT...

At 1111 AM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking several showers and
thunderstorms develop over hte region, moving northeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Reno, Carson City, South Lake Tahoe, Fallon, Mammoth Lakes,
Lovelock, Gardnerville, Virginia City, June Lake, Pyramid Lake, Lee
Vining, Lahontan Reservoir.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Torrential rainfall is likely as the thunderstorm gain strength this
afternoon. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 9 PM this evening.

&&

LAT...LON 3758 11901 3883 12010 4107 12034 4112 11933
      4096 11933 4096 11879 4085 11878 4086 11765
      4068 11764 4068 11730 4000 11754 3955 11749
      3938 11776 3910 11778 3900 11819 3847 11770
      3789 11842 3747 11783 3746 11784 3746 11878
TIME...MOT...LOC 1806Z 245DEG 7KT 3894 11974

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

BB
Special weather statement, Aug 13, 12:53 PM PDT, 1 hour 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Reno NV
1253 PM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

CAZ072-073-NVZ001>005-132145-
Greater Lake Tahoe Area CA-Mono CA-Greater Lake Tahoe Area NV-
Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake NV-
Northern Washoe County NV-Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area NV-
Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties NV-
1253 PM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

...THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HEAVY RAIN AND HAIL OF 0.5 TO
1 INCH ACROSS THE EASTERN SIERRA, THE SIERRA FRONT, AND WESTERN
NEVADA THROUGH 3 PM...

At 1250 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 15
miles east of Yerington, or 33 miles south of Fallon, moving
northeast at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Reno, Carson City, South Lake Tahoe, Fallon, Mammoth Lakes, Lovelock,
Chalfant, Crowley Lake, Gardnerville, Virginia City, June Lake,
Pyramid Lake, Lee Vining, Twin Lakes, Lahontan Reservoir, Incline
Village, Toms Place, Bodie, Benton, and Bridgeport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3748 11885 3774 11917 3804 11931 3811 11945
      3880 11997 4018 11996 4028 11742 4000 11754
      3988 11746 3955 11749 3938 11776 3922 11772
      3910 11778 3900 11819 3889 11817 3847 11770
      3790 11834 3789 11842 3747 11783 3746 11784
TIME...MOT...LOC 1950Z 240DEG 49KT 3900 11887

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

GG

The office that day

Everything else NWS Reno, NV issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 13, 11:11 AM PDTSpecial Weather StatementREVChurchill, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey and 1 more109 min
Aug 13, 11:41 AM PDTAreal Flood AdvisoryREVChurchill3 hr
Aug 13, 12:17 PM PDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningREVDouglas43 min
Aug 13, 12:25 PM PDTAreal Flood AdvisoryREVDouglas3 hr
Aug 13, 12:39 PM PDTAreal Flood AdvisoryREVStorey, Washoe3 hr
Aug 13, 12:44 PM PDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningREVLyon46 min
Aug 13, 12:53 PM PDTSpecial Weather StatementREVChurchill, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral, Storey112 min
Aug 13, 1:16 PM PDTFlash Flood WarningREVStorey, Washoe3 hr
Aug 13, 1:21 PM PDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningREVLyon, Storey, Washoe39 min
Aug 13, 1:25 PM PDTTornado WarningREVLyon, Storey, Washoe30 min
Aug 13, 1:41 PM PDTAreal Flood AdvisoryREVMineral3 hr
Aug 13, 1:42 PM PDTAreal Flood AdvisoryREVDouglas, Lyon3 hr
Aug 13, 1:50 PM PDTFlash Flood WarningREVMineral3 hr
Aug 13, 2:10 PM PDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningREVWashoe50 min
Aug 13, 2:24 PM PDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningREVChurchill, Lyon, Mineral51 min
Aug 13, 3:13 PM PDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningREVChurchill17 min
Aug 13, 3:17 PM PDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningREVChurchill, Pershing28 min
Aug 13, 4:03 PM PDTSpecial Weather StatementREVPershing117 min
Aug 13, 4:09 PM PDTAreal Flood AdvisoryREVLyon3 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Nevada, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.