A Flood Watch is in effect this afternoon through late tonight as forecasters warn that heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding across the area. The National Weather Service says repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and overnight, increasing the risk of flooding.
Short-term forecast models indicate some locations could receive between two and four inches of rain, with rainfall rates of one to two inches or more in a single hour. Officials say excessive runoff may cause flooding along rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying or flood-prone areas. Motorists are urged to use caution and never drive through flooded roadways.
1011 Now Meteorologist Carmelo Lattuca says along with the heavy rain severe storms are possible Thursday. “You’ll probably see on and off showers and storms through the afternoon,” Lattuca tells KLIN News. “Your best chance for severe weather will probably going to be in the mid to late afternoon and evening hours.
He says those storms will mainly be a hail and wind threat, but a tornado can’t be ruled out. Lattuca says Friday’s storms could be similar. “But we could see more significant wind and hail, so 75 plus mile per hour winds and then hail up two two inches . That would be like lime sized hail,” Lattuca says.
Residents should monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions throughout the day and tonight.