From staff reports

Parts of Western North Carolina are under a flash flood watch through early Wednesday as moderate to heavy rain is expected throughout the day on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Greer, South Carolina, reports that Henderson, Transylvania and Polk counties in WNC are included in the watch. These counties are under an increased risk for flash flooding along smaller streams and creeks, as well as in the headwaters of some main rivers.

The forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of additional rain on Tuesday in the counties in the watch area. However, scattered to numerous thunderstorms throughout the period will likely result in local amounts that are much higher.

According to the Weather Service, due to the widespread rain that fell over much of this area this weekend, the ground is near saturation, and stream levels are already running above normal. It will not take much additional rainfall to produce flash flooding along smaller creeks and streams, as well as the headwaters of some main rivers.

The greater Asheville area can expect a rainy day on Tuesday. There is a 100 percent chance of rain, with the likelihood for the heaviest precipitation after 1 p.m. The Asheville area is expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain on Tuesday.