NOTTINGHAM, MD—The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Nottingham area.

The watch covers all of Baltimore County and will be in effect from Thursday afternoon until 8 a.m. on Friday morning.

Forecasters say several rounds of thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning with localized rainfall rates of up to 1-2 inches per hour possible.

Total rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts up to 4 inches are possible.

Heavy rain in short periods of time will cause the potential for streams and creeks to quickly rise out of their banks as well as the potential for flash flooding in urban areas.

Residents should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.