Flood watch issued as heavy rain, with 'pockets of torrential rainfall,' arrives Saturday

PROVIDENCE – The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch as heavy rain, as much as 5 inches in some locations, moves into the region.

"You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings," the weather service says in the watch. "Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."

The flood watch will go into effect at 2 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m.

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible today before the heavy rain moves through Saturday. Downpours and thunderstorms should reach Rhode Island by mid- to late-morning Saturday.

Expect "pockets of torrential rainfall," the weather service said on X.

"There is considerable uncertainty with respect to which locations will experience the heaviest rainfall, but generally all of southern New England will be at risk, especially the urban areas," the weather service says in its forecast discussion.

"Activity should begin to wane by mid-afternoon on Saturday and eventually clear our by Saturday evening," the weather service says. "The atmosphere will remain warm and muggy during this time, but with extensive cloud cover for much of the day on Saturday, high temperatures should be confined to the low to mid 80s."