FRANKLIN

The National Weather Service’s Wakefield has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect now until 10 o’clock tonight for Franklin and Southampton County, as well as Isle of Wight County, Suffolk and the rest of the Greater Hampton Roads region. Northeastern North Carolina is also included in this advisory.

Damaging wind guests are — according to the NWS — the greatest threat from any severe thunderstorms today.

Heavy rainfall is likely this afternoon through the late evening because of thunderstorms with localized flooding possible.

Earlier today, the agency declared a flash flood watch for Western Tidewater starting at 2 p.m. today and extending through the evening.

According to the NWS, showers and thunderstorms with very heavy rain will develop and spread into the area this afternoon and become more widespread during the late afternoon and evening hours. The combination of high rainfall rates and the potential for multiple rounds of storms will result in conditions that could lead to flash flooding. The public is advised to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

The NWS forecast for Franklin indicates a 100-percent chance of precipitation this afternoon, with new rainfall amounts between one and two inches. Tonight, there is an 80-percent chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.