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

The watch covers Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and the surrounding areas and will be in effect from 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening through 6 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Forecasters say heavy rainfall could lead to instances of flash flooding.

Numerous showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected through Wednesday evening and into the overnight hours.

Rainfall rates of 2 inches per hour are possible, leading to the potential for flash flooding, especially in areas that see multiple rounds of heavy rain.

Residents should monitor local forecasts throughout the evening hours.