BOYKINS—There may be a silver lining to this summer’s drought.

The 3 to 5 inches of rain expected to fall in the Western Tidewater region within the next 24 to 36 hours may not result in rivers and creeks flooding because they’ve been so low.

“That’s the one thing that will help us,” said Boykins Mayor Spier Edwards. “The creeks and rivers are really low and dry.”

Employees for the Town of Boykins, which is prone to flooding, this morning began preparing for the worst, including getting water pumps ready and cleaning ditches and drains where water could back up.

Moisture from the Caribbean and a tropical storm off the Florida coast are blamed for the rainfall, said Chris Wamsley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wakefield.

NWS this morning issued a flash flood watch, which means the conditions may occur for flooding.

“When have a watch, just be weary of low-lying areas usually prone to flooding,” Wamsley said. “Don’t drive where water covers the road. You may not know how deep it is.”

The “watch” could be upgraded to a “warning.”

“If a warning (is issued) generally go to higher ground,” Wamsley said. “Know the high points in the area, especially near little creeks and streams that may see a quick rise. Anybody who lives near there will have to keep an eye out.”

Chance of rain is 100 percent through Thursday afternoon. This afternoon, ¼ to ½ inches of rain is possible with 2 and 3 additional inches possible tonight.

“Some areas may see less, some areas may see more,” Wamsley said.

Rain will continue Thursday, with another 1 to 2 inches possible. By Thursday evening, the chance of rain will drop to 60 percent with less than 1/10 of an inch possible. Friday will be mostly sunny.

Meanwhile, Edwards remains concerned for Boykins.

“We have taken every precautionary measure,” he said.