A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON... The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has issued a * Flood Watch for the Western Brooks Range. * Through Thursday afternoon. * Widespread heavy rainfall is expected to impact the Western Brooks Range, including the Noatak and Kobuk River basins, through mid-week. Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches or more are expected in the higher terrain of the Western Brooks Range, with 1 to 2 inches in lower elevations. * Already saturated soils from rainfall last week combined with steep terrain and the heavy rain will cause rapid rises in smaller streams that drain the Western Brooks Range, possibly leading to localized flooding. Recreators in the area should be aware that water may rise quickly, gravel bars may become inaccessible, and debris flow will increase on these water ways. The larger rivers in the area, including the Noatak, Kobuk, Wulik, and Colville, will see rises but are expected to remain below bankfull at this time.