Flood watch in effect until 7 p.m.: Rain will turn to snow this evening

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Northern Shenandoah Valley, portions of Virginia, Maryland and the Eastern West Virginia Panhandle through 7 tonight.

Moderate to heavy rain will fall through late this afternoon before changing over to snow.

Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected with locally heavier amounts possible - enough to cause creeks and streams to flood

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 tonight through 1 a.m. when the rain will turn to snow. Expect accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with more - up to 5 inches - possible above 700 feet.

The temperature will fall to around 45 at 5 p.m. today. Tonight's low will be around 28. Expect a northwest wind between 17 and 21 mph tonight. Gusts of up to 40 mph possible.