The National Weather Service offices across the region have issued Flash Flood Watches in advance of a potent storm system that is expected to bring several inches of heavy rain to the area. The watch in the western counties will expire at 10:00 p.m. with the central and eastern counties expiring at 1:00 a.m. tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread in nature over areas generally north of Interstate 80 this afternoon. Rain rates of one-to-two inches per hour are possible with some of the heavier storms. With the ample moisture across the area, flash flooding may develop rapidly – especially in low-lying areas near creeks, rivers, streams, etc.

Those across the warned area, and especially in the low-lying areas aforementioned should keep a close eye on the forecast tonight… and be prepared to take appropriate precautions should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.