Flood Watch Ahead of Christmas Flash Freeze in Twin Tiers

One week after parts of the Binghamton area received nearly four feet of snow, the region is bracing for heavy rain followed by a sudden drop in temperatures.

The National Weather Service has posted a flood watch for central New York and northeast Pennsylvania. The watch is to remain in effect through noon Christmas Day.

Warning coordination meteorologist David Nicosia said rain will fall "pretty heavy at times" Thursday afternoon and night. He said gusty winds could cause scattered power outages across the region.

Temperatures will reach the low 50s Thursday afternoon, causing rapid snow melt.

The combination of melting snow and up to 2.5 inches of rain may cause urban and flash flooding. Three to four inches of rain may fall in the highest elevations.

Flows in area rivers will increase quickly and may rise well above flood stage, causing problems that could continue into Friday and Saturday.

Much colder air will arrive in the area Friday morning. Wet surfaces will freeze. Drivers should be prepared for icy roadways on Christmas morning.