Parts of Ohio alerted to potential for flooding

CLEVELAND (AP) — The northern half of Ohio could see the potential for flooding as melting snow combines with rain.

With temperatures rising, the Cleveland office of the National Weather Service says the shrinking snow will release a significant amount of water. Forecasters say any heavy rain could produce flooding, and some river flooding is likely.

A flood watch was issued for this afternoon through Friday morning. Areas under the watch include Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lucas and Ottawa counties.

A watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

Meteorologist Andy Latto at the weather service’s Wilmington office says no flood watches were issued for southern Ohio. But there could be some heavy rain with a chance of flooding.