Flood Watch in effect for Northeast Colorado as the weather pattern shifts

National Weather Service - A flood watch is in effect from 3 pm this afternoon through 10 pm (MDT) this evening for portions of east-central and northeast Colorado, including Elbert, Lincoln, Adams, Arapahoe, Logan, Morgan, Weld, and Washington Counties in Colorado.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying, flood-prone areas.

Strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will be possible in the Watch area this afternoon and evening. Rainfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches in 30 minutes for localized areas. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

On the extreme eastern plains and the tri-state area, strong to severe storms are forecast for most of the area this evening. Wind gusts up to 75 mph are the primary hazard. Blowing dust may accompany these storms, with visibility possibly falling below one mile, potentially impacting travel and air quality. Large hail up to half-dollar in size and an instance or two of flash flooding are also possible. This includes Yuma, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne counties in Colorado, as well as portions of southwest Nebraska and northwest Kansas.