Region under flash flood watch

ALBANY, N.Y.» With the forecast calling for heavy thunderstorms that could drop over two inches per hour of rain this afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Ulster, Dutchess, Greene and Columbia counties starting this afternoon and lasting through late tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, widespread thunderstorms with areas of torrential rainfall are expected to spread over the region from afternoon to evening hours, with the threat continuing well into the overnight hours.

The heaviest rainfall rates are expected to occur where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas, which creates a potential for flash flooding, especially in urban and poor drainage areas.

The current National Weather Service forecast for Kingston for today calls for a high temperature of 82, with a 90 percent change of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m. There is also an enhanced risk for some thunderstorms to become severe, with strong wind gusts exceeding 58 mph and large hail.

Forecasters said Sunday that they are uncertain where the heaviest rain and highest risk for flash flooding will occur, but that the ingredients are in place for flash flooding across New York state and western New England.

The watch urges residents to continue to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if a flash flood warning is issued.