RI Weather Forecast: Flood Watch as Rain Predictions Increase

A drenching storm is heading our way, forecasters say, and it could wash out the majority of Friday. The National Weather Service upgraded its hazardous weather outlook to a flood watch spanning the entire state of Rhode Island.

Rainfall amounts are now predicted to hit 1-3 inches. Flooding may develop, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas, if the localized heavier rainfall amounts occur, according to the National Weather Service.

The flood watch kicks into effect at 2 p.m. and ends 8 a.m. Saturday morning. The rain should begin in earnest around midday, increasing into widespread downpours Friday night into Saturday morning. At its heaviest, rain may fall at up to an inch per hour.

There is potential for some thunderstorms.

"Enough rain can fall to cause poor visibility and urban flooding for motorists around parts of the eastern Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic and New England," according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams