(WJET/WFXP)-- Several counties in the tri-state area will be under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Flood watches are also in effect for McKean, Warren and Chautauqua Counties.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Erie, Crawford, McKean, Mercer, Forest, Venango and Warren Counties, along with Ashtabula County, OH and Chautauqua County, NY.

Heavy rain rates 1-2 inches per hour are possible with training thunderstorms and could result in localized rainfall amounts in excess of 3 inches over a short duration.

The flood watches will be in effect until late Monday night; however, no time has been set for when they expire according to the National Weather Service.

Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. Excessive runoff may result

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