A flash flood watch is in effect until 3 p.m. today.

“We are expecting a lot of rain across the region today as a result of atmospheric moisture from Rafael and a weak frontal boundary,” said National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Donald Jones.

Jones said the Weather Prediction Center has placed parts of Southwest Louisiana in a rare high risk for excessive rainfall — which means there is a greater than 70 percent chance of flash flooding across parts of Calcasieu, Beauregard, Jeff Davis, Allen and Vernon parishes today.

“Historically, nearly 90 percent of all flood-related property damage and almost half of flood-related deaths occur on high-risk days,” Jones said.

Generally 3-6 inches of rain are expected but some areas could see 10 inches or more, he said.

Low lying areas near bayous, creeks, and streams may flood if repeated or training thunderstorms occur.

Jones said Tropical Storm  Rafael will continue to weaken today and Monday before becoming a remnant as it turns south into the southern Gulf of Mexico.