Heavy rain moved through Monsey and surrounding Rockland County communities Thursday afternoon as forecasters warned of potentially severe thunderstorms and localized flooding across the region.

The National Weather Service placed Monsey under a Flood Watch through 11 p.m. Thursday, August 27, as well as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 8 p.m.

Forecasters said thunderstorms moving through the area could become severe, while periods of heavy rainfall carried the potential for localized flash flooding.

The Flood Watch covered Rockland County amid forecasts for widespread rainfall totals of approximately 1 to 1.5 inches, with localized amounts potentially reaching 3 inches. During the strongest downpours, rainfall rates could reach roughly 1.5 to 2.5 inches per hour, increasing the threat of rapid runoff and flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage locations.

The National Weather Service forecast for Monsey called for showers and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon, with some storms potentially severe and a 90% chance of precipitation. Additional thunderstorms were expected into Thursday evening.

Orange & Rockland Utilities also mobilized its emergency response workforce ahead of the storms, placing line crews, tree-removal personnel and other staff on standby. The utility warned that strong winds, lightning and saturated ground could bring down trees and power lines and potentially cause outages.

Residents were urged to remain alert as the storms moved through the area and to avoid flooded roadways.