All summer long many people wondered if the region was going to get any rains to quench our parched lawns and gardens. Now, the Tri-State is about to get what some asked for and possibly much, much more.

National Weather Service officials said the remnants of Hurricane Katrina will likely move through the area Tuesday and early Wednesday, bringing 25-mile-an-hour winds and as much as two to three inches of rain.

"We're saying two to three inches but it could be locally heavier," meteorologist Eric Seymour said. "The further west we go, heading toward central Ohio, the worse the rainfall will be. The focus at this time seems to be more toward Wilmington and Cincinnati. We could also see an isolated tornado."

The National Weather Service Monday issued a flash-flood watch for the immediate area that is in effect until Wednesday morning. A flash flood watch means there is the potential for flooding based on the amount of rain the area is expected to receive.

Seymour said the worst of Katrina will likely be behind the Tri-State by midday Wednesday as the rain and winds move into the mid-Atlantic states and then into New England.

In the meantime, Seymour said area residents should keep close watch on weather forecasts and on conditions in their area, particularly if they live along creeks and streams.

"We emphasize that people should stay attuned to the weather when we're dealing with this kind of rainfall," Seymour said. "Flooding could be possible."

Annabelle Jenkins, Lawrence County Coordinator for the American Red Cross, said she is on standby to assist area residents who become flood victims.

In spite of heavy rains that fell throughout the day Monday, there were no road closings due to high water this morning, according to both the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.