A flood watch has been issued for much of Western New York beginning Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.

The warning includes Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie and Allegany counties and lasts from Thursday to Friday afternoon. The weather service said a combination of snow melt due to warmer temperatures Thursday with rain Thursday night could result in flooding of area creeks and rivers.

“There is a risk for ice jam flooding starting Thursday afternoon followed by a risk of general flooding Thursday night through Friday afternoon,” the weather service said. “There is considerable uncertainty in rainfall amounts with totals most likely to be between a quarter and a half inch, but may approach an inch in some locations.”

The weather service said a flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding occur.

Temperatures are expected to be in the upper-50s on Thursday. Rain is expected in the afternoon.