THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A FLOOD WATCH FOR ATHENS COUNTY FROM 5PM, FRIDAY 3/13 THROUGH SATURDAY 10PM, SATURDAY 3/14.

PERSISTENT RAIN WILL OVERSPREAD THE MIDDLE OHIO VALLEY AND PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL APPALACHIANS BEGINNING FRIDAY. 1 TO 2 INCHES OF RAIN IS POSSIBLE THROUGH SATURDAY IN THE WATCH AREA.

AFTER RECENT RAINFALL AND SNOW MELT, AREA STREAMS, CREEKS AND RIVERS CONTINUE TO RUN HIGH IN MANY LOCATIONS. WITH LITTLE TIME FOR ADDITIONAL RECOVERY AND GROUND THAT REMAINS SATURATED, ADDITIONAL BASIN WIDE RAINFALL WILL MAKE FOR FLOODING POSSIBILITIES ONCE AGAIN. SOME OF THE MORE FLOOD PRONE AREAS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO REACT QUICKLY TO RAINFALL.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.