Heavy rain is expected to effect the area starting overnight tonight into Saturday evening. The heaviest rainfall is expected on Saturday. Wind gusts of up to 20 miles per hour and rainfall of up to 2-3 inches in some areas could occur. There is a risk for area flooding.

If you are in flood prone areas, please plan accordingly in the event of flood gate closures and road closures that may occur throughout the storm. If you come across any flooded roadways or road closures please do not go around or remove the barricades. Going around the barricades could put yourself as well as first responders in harms way.

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.