Northeast U.S. - Heavy rain poses flash flood risk

Heavy rain and thunderstorms have been keeping the windshield wipers active on Tuesday morning. Several rounds of wet weather plus snowmelt pose a flash flood risk today through Wednesday.

Flood watches have been issued in the interior Northeast ahead of the event. Water temperatures are surging north, melting winter snow. This snowmelt, plus the one to two inches of heavy rain, poses a flood risk for low-lying areas, rivers, creeks and streams, as well as poor-drainage areas.

Tuesday morning's activity will give way to a brief break before more rain and storms move in during the mid-afternoon across the Northeast. This next round lasts well through the dawn hours of Wednesday.

Commuters should add extra time to their afternoon and morning drives to make sure they make it to their destination safely and on time. Remember, turn around, don't drown. Swollen rivers, creeks and streams sending even 12 inches of moving water over the roads can sweep a car away.