Up to 4 Inches of Rain Could Cause Flash Flooding Thursday

Flash flooding is possible on Thursday afternoon from “bands of heavy rain showers,” warns the National Weather Service.

“Widespread rainfall” of 1-2 inches is expected and prompted a flash flood watch to be issued by the weather service, meaning “conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.”

The flash flood watch covers much of eastern and central Massachusetts, including Marblehead, and runs until 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Rainfall up to 4 inches could fall in a short time in localized areas, with the greatest concern for urban and poor drainage areas, where flooding could be “significant.”

The heavy rain and possible flooding will occur during the evening rush hour “so motorists should be prepared,” the weather service warned.

Just before noon on Thursday, the bands of heavy rain were in western New England and were expected to move into central and eastern Massachusetts on Thursday afternoon and the early evening.

Residents should “be prepared to take action” if a flood warning is issued, according to the weather service.