Severe thunderstorm watch, flash flood watch issued for New York area

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for most of the New York area until 8 p.m., as heavy rain pounds much of the area.

The National Weather Service has also issued a flash flood watch for most of the New York area through Tuesday night.

With heavy storms rolling through, much of the Northeast is seeing spotty downpours and incredible lightning.

The area covers the city's five boroughs, Long Island and Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam counties. In Connecticut, northern and southern Fairfield is under advisory, as well as Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Warren, Monmouth counties.

The soaking rain that took place late last evening and the threat for even more of it early this week is going to increase the threat of flash flooding, which may also include flooding of some creeks, rivers and streams before all is said and done.

Most highs today will be in the mid 80s, with some neighborhood thermometers still approaching 90 in the afternoon.

Heavy downpours totaling 2 to 3 inches could occur through midday Wednesday.

Winds gusts could reach 20 mph - and possibly higher during severe storms.

The city's buildings department says property owners and contractors must secure their construction sites and buildings.