The area is being hit with a flood watch and winter weather warning as the weekend approaches.

The National Weather Service has stated that a flood watch will be in effect today at 7 p.m. through Saturday evening.

There will be showers with an expectancy of around two to three inches of rain.

Because of the cold air, according to the National Weather Service, there could also be freezing rain.

Bill Gartner, from the National Weather Service, said that the flood watch is due to the rising temperatures affecting the frozen rivers.

The ice breaks when temperatures rise, causing ice to flow downstream, creating ice jams. These ice jams can cause a river to flood.

“Individuals should always be cautious when travelling during a flood watch, and to pay close attention if you live near a river or river bend,” said Gartner.

A fast progression of cold air is expected, which means the period of freezing rain may last a few hours.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and AccuWeather have also issued warning statements about the flood watch, as well as the winter weather warning.

The winter weather warning will be in effect today at 4 p.m. through Saturday evening.

According to Accuweather, some motorists may experience flooded roadways when traveling. The risk will not be limited to areas with remaining heavy snow cover.

PennDOT is urging drivers to use caution during the weekend weather.

Snow accumulation of as much as six inches is possible, with as much as a foot in the northwest areas of the region.

PennDOT has recommended staying off the roads if possible, and to use caution by not driving through standing water, slowing down to a speed to fit the conditions, turning on headlights, increasing following distance, and keeping windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.