TAHOE/TRUCKEE - Get ready, Lake Tahoe. Winter is coming back.

The first winter storm of 2012-13, albeit a little one, is forecast to hit the greater Truckee/Tahoe area early next week, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

A winter storm watch will be in effect from Monday morning through the evening, NWS reports, bringing as much has a foot of snow above 7,000 feet and 6 inches at lake level. Winds will be 15 to 20 mph, with 35 mph gusts are expected.

"Accumulating snow may create hazardous travel conditions Monday and Monday night around the Lake Tahoe Basin and Sierra passes," according to the storm watch.

On Friday afternoon, the Truckee Police Department issued an advisory through its online reporting system, reminding motorists to be safe next week.

"Although not a major storm, this is the first significant weather system for the fall season," the department said. "Roadway conditions are likely to become slick. The Truckee Police Department wants to remind everyone that slower speeds, and greater following distances in wet and icy conditions will dramatically improve safety and the reduce risk of accident."