Cincinnati weather: Heavy rain, flood watch in effect Thursday night through Saturday

A flood watch is in effect for the Greater Cincinnati region Thursday evening, thanks to heavy rain and storms in the forecast.

According to a hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Wilmington, scattered storms are likely this afternoon into early this evening. An isolated strong to severe storm will be possible, with large hail and damaging winds as the primary threat.

On Saturday, gusty winds are expected during the day, with gusts around 50 mph possible.

Additionally, a flood watch is in effect from 8 p.m. Thursday through 2 p.m. Saturday. Flash flooding from excessive rainfall is possible, and excessive runoff may result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Any river flooding that develops may linger into Sunday and early next week, according to the weather service.

What is the Ohio River level at Cincinnati?

The Ohio River at Cincinnati is currently very low, recorded at around 28.2 feet as of 6 a.m. Thursday.

It is predicted to have a large increase as the heavy rain and storms move through the region, hitting the action stage of 40 feet by 2 p.m. Saturday and reaching its highest forecast of 42.3 feet by 8 a.m. on March 27.

Detailed Cincinnati forecast

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 71. Showers and thunderstorms likely before noon, then a chance of showers between noon and 3 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m.

Thursday night: A low around 49, with showers and possibly a thunderstorm.

Friday: A high near 53. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 7 a.m., then showers between 7-9 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 9 a.m.

Friday night: A low around 50. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36 and breezy. A chance of showers before 8 p.m.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 59.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62 and a chance of showers.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 55.

Source: National Weather Service, Wilmington.