Douglas County under severe thunderstorm, flash flood watches Monday afternoon

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Douglas County until 11 p.m. Monday, coinciding with an earlier flash flood watch that will be in effect from Monday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

Heavy rain is expected off and on through Wednesday in east central Kansas, including Douglas County and the city of Lawrence.

Widespread thunderstorms will cause heavy rain with 2 to 4 inches of rain possible from late Monday afternoon through early Tuesday morning. Additional locally heavy rain is expected again Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall in a short period of time will cause flash flooding in low lying areas as well as streams and creeks. Flooding along larger rivers may develop as well through Wednesday.