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Weekend Rainfall Could Lead To Flooding Issues

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The National Weather Service has issued an advisory following the rain we've had.

A Recreational Boaters Advisory has been issued for the Ohio River in Pittsburgh until Monday morning.

Officials warn of fast currents and debris in the river through Allegheny County.

And the rain isn't expected to stop anytime soon.

"Right now what we're looking into is the potential for rainfall amounts to be right below where we need to be to get widespread flooding," said Fred McMullen with the National Weather Service.

McMullen says the area could get 2 inches of rain.

"We're concerned from that perspective that that could mean flash flooding for us," said Chief Alvin Henderson with Allegheny County Emergency Management. "We don't want to make people think the world is coming to an end in essence, but we want to be realistic and be prepared in the event we have heavy rain and have to respond accordingly."

The Swift Water Rescue Teams who have handled situations like this many times in the past will begin preparing over the next 24 hours and McMullen says the biggest concern comes after a dry spell on Saturday when thunderstorms could drop a lot of water fast.

"And as we increase rainfall into the system, the system can only hold so much water and if we tip the scales and dump more rain in than it can hold, that's where we're looking at potential flooding issues," said McMullen.

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