Heavy rain is renewing concerns about flooding in New York and New Jersey — and the metropolitan area is under a flood watch through Saturday evening.

Between two and three inches are expected through Saturday evening, with the possibility of up to four inches in isolated area, according to Tim Morrin, meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

"We're looking at the potential for at least nuisance-type poor drainage flooding," he said, "and if we get those higher amounts, into the four inch amounts in  some locations, we could see more problematic flooding, especially near rivers."

Morrin said the ground is already very saturated to other storms this season noted the rain will move through the area in waves.

"Right now, the forecast amounts are not anticipated to cause the rivers to go out of their banks," he said. "But we'll have to watch wait and see ant total up the rain."

Preparations are underway in New Jersey, which experienced heavy flooding near rivers during Tropical Storm Irene. The main concern is flash-flooding due to heavy rain in a short amount of time.

(Photo: A downpour of rain hurts means people aren't hitting the sidewalk for lunch/ Channon Hodge/WNYC)