This morning's heavy rain arrives with some warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service.

NWS in Upton, N.Y., issued a Flash Flood Warning at 5:41 am this morning for Fairfield County. The warning also includes western New Haven County, and Westchester and Rockland counties in New York.

The warning will remain in effect until 9:30 am.

Flash flooding had been reporting on the Bronx River Parkway in southern Westchester County. Flash flooding is also expected elsewhere within this morning's warning area. Up to 3 inches of rain had already fallen in parts of the warned area, and another 1-2 inchjes of rain is expected through the morning.

According to NWS, "Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, highways and underpasses. Additionally, country roads and farmlands along the banks of creeks, streams and other low lying areas are subject to flooding."

An urban and small stream Flood Advisory has also been issued for the northern section of Fairfield County, in effect until 7:45 am. The advisory is for minor flooding of poor drainage areas, and also includes northwestern New Haven County, southeastern Orange County in New York, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties in New York, and western Passaic County in New Jersey.

In addition, the NWS in New York City has issued a Flood Watch for our area, which will remain in effect "through this afternoon." Low pressure will pass over the area today.

"The low will tap into Gulf and Atlantic moisture to produce heavy rainfall mainly through early this afternoon," according to the announcement.

"Additional rainfall between 2-3 inches, with local amounts of up to 4 inches in and near the higher terrain in southern Connecticut is likely to cause significant urban, low lying and poor drainage flooding at a time when many holiday travelers may already be heading to their destinations," the announcement continues. "Many small streams will approach bank full, and some may experience minor flooding."

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Additional or extended Flood Warnings are possible.

The Weather Service also cautions drivers this morning, saying: "Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Never drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flooding water is powerful enough to swwep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads make the smart choice. Turn around, don't drown."

Weather Forecast

Today's rain, according to NWS, could be heavy at times. The reported temperature for Newtown at 7:15 am is 57 degrees. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 41 degres by 5 pm.

A south wind of 8-11 mph will begin moving to the northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mps.

New precipitation amounts between three-quarters to one inch is possible.

Tonight there is a chance of rain and show showers before 9 pm, then a chance of snow showers between 9 pm and 3 am Thursday morning.

Tonight's sky will remain cloudy, then gradually become partly cloudy, with a low around 25 degrees.

Thanksgiving Day, says NWS, will be sunny with a high around 30 degrees. Northwest winds will be 10-16 mph, with gusts and high as 33 mph.