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

The watch will be in effect from 1 p.m. on Friday through the evening hours.

Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected on Friday afternoon and into Friday night.

Average rainfall amounts are expected to be between 1 and 2 inches.

However, thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, causing localized amounts of 3 to 5 inches possible.

While storms are possible any time this afternoon into tonight, the most widespread thunderstorm activity is most likely to be late this afternoon through this evening.

Heavy rainfall amounts in a short period of time may result in rapid rises on streams and creeks 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.