The National Weather Service in Albany has a Hazardous Weather Outlook and Flood Watch in effect from 8 a.m. this morning through Saturday morning for Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Rensselaer and Ulster counties. Rain will overspread the area this morning, becoming heavy at times by afternoon. The rain is expected to be heavy at times into the evening and taper off late at night. The combination of nearly saturated ground, elevated river and stream levels and forecast rainfall amounts of one to possibly three inches may result in flooding. Runoff is expected to be higher than usual due to the early saturated ground. The highest rainfall amounts are expected to occur across the southeastern Catskills, Mid-Hudson Valley and northwest Connecticut. Flash flooding is also possible across portions of the watch area.