Flood watch in effect for several northern Illinois counties

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the following counties: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lee, Ogle, Will in Illinois and Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.

The watch is in effect until 3 p.m. Friday,

Rain, heavy at times, will develop around daybreak this morning, and persist into the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Total rainfall amounts of up to 1.5 inches is forecast.

“Although this amount of rainfall typically is not associated with significant flooding, a combination of frozen soils and river ice cover will increase the risk of flooding,” the NWS stated.

A Flood Watch means flooding is possible, but not yet certain, base upon the latest forecasts.

Drivers should be cautious of water pooling on streets.

People living along or near rivers, creeks and other waterways should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop, according to the NWS.