PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — No major flooding is expected from melting snow as western South Dakota emerges from an early fall storm that blanketed the region with up to 4 feet or more of snow.

National Weather Service hydrologist Melissa Smith in Rapid City says the area was dry before last weekend’s storm, so water from melting snow is soaking into the unfrozen ground.

Smith says minor flooding is possible, particularly where snow drifts block water from running into creeks and streams.

She says up to 1 1/2 inches of rain is expected Thursday and Friday in the area, but that also will soak into the ground.

Smith says the Cheyenne River, which drains much of the Black Hills and western South Dakota, also can handle the runoff.