A Flood Watch is in effect across Rockland County Thursday morning through Thursday evening, August 27, as potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to bring torrential rain, damaging winds and the threat of localized flooding.

Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 1.5 inches, while some locations could receive as much as 3 inches. Rainfall rates may reach 1.5 to 2.5 inches per hour during the heaviest downpours, potentially causing rapid runoff, overflowing streams and flooding in low-lying, urban and poor-drainage areas.

Orange & Rockland Utilities announced Thursday morning that it is mobilizing its emergency response workforce ahead of the storms. O&R said high winds, lightning, saturated soil and trees carrying full summer foliage could lead to downed trees and power lines and potentially disrupt electric service.

The utility has placed overhead line crews, tree-removal personnel, customer service representatives and other emergency response staff on standby to respond as needed throughout the storm.

Residents are urged to stay away from any downed wires and assume they are energized. O&R recommends remaining at least 50 feet away from fallen wires and anything they may be touching. Power outages can be reported to O&R at 1-877-434-4100, through its mobile app, online, or by texting “OUT” to 678797.

Officials are also reminding motorists never to drive through flooded roadways. Conditions can change rapidly during periods of intense rainfall, and residents are urged to remain weather-aware throughout Thursday.