...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON... The National Weather Service in Little Rock has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Arkansas...north central Arkansas...southwest Arkansas and western Arkansas, including the following areas, in central Arkansas, Conway, Faulkner, Garland, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline and Yell. In north central Arkansas, Baxter, Boone, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Van Buren. In southwest Arkansas, Clark, Hot Spring, Ouachita and Pike. In western Arkansas, Johnson, Logan, Montgomery, Polk and Scott. * From 7 AM CDT this morning through Wednesday afternoon * Over the next few days, expect periods of showers and thunderstorms over much of the watch area. The rain will be heavy at times. Rainfall amounts of two to four inches are expected, with localized amounts in excess of five inches possible, especially in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. * Over the last couple of weeks, rainfall has been significantly above average. Heavy rainfall in the last week alone has left soils already saturated. With additional rainfall expected, flash flooding will become likely in the coming days. Continued river flooding is likely along the Petit Jean, Fourche Lafave and Ouachita Rivers, with additional rises likely along the Arkansas and Saline Rivers.