A flood watch is in effect from this afternoon through Friday morning.

Heavy rain will move into the region late today with between 1 and 3 inches of rain over the region and as much as 3 to 4 inches of rain over the southern Poconos.

Excessive rainfall and snow melt will result in rises on rivers and streams.

A wind advisory is also in effect from 6 p.m. today through 6 a.m. Christmas Day.

South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

The strongest winds will occur in the higher terrain. Secure any outdoor holiday decorations before the strong winds arrive.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Today: Rain, mainly after 10 a.m. The rain could be heavy at times. Patchy fog after 4 p.m. High near 57. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tonight: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Patchy fog before 8 p.m. Low around 42. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Christmas Day: Rain likely before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 10 a.m. and noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A slight chance of snow showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 26.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Monday: A chance of rain showers after 1 p.m., mixing with snow after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.