INDIANAPOLIS—As rain and wind from Hurricane Isaac approach Indiana, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is asking everyone to join emergency management officials in preparing for potential storms and localized flooding.

As the prediction stands now, the National Weather Service is forecasting that Indiana may receive 2-8 inches of rain by Tuesday. Central Indiana and areas south along the I-70 corridor, including Terre Haute, Indianapolis and Bloomington, are expected to receive the heaviest amounts of rainfall.

The NWS says there is still quite a bit of uncertainty with where the heaviest rainfall will occur, but the U.S. 30 corridor and south is especially warned to be alert of the potential for heavy rain.

The recent drought and hard, dry ground conditions may increase the risk for flash flooding. Be especially watchful if you live areas that typically flood.

The local forecast for this holiday weekend calls for a 30% chance for rain this evening and a low of 68 degrees. Tomorrow will see a few showers in the morning then a 60 percent chance for afternoon thunderstorms and a high of 82 degrees. Right now there is a 50 percent chance of rain for Sunday and a high of 79 degrees. And for Labor Day, a 30 percent chance of rain and a high of 82 degrees.

A cold front from the north may also mix with warm air from Hurricane Isaac and create the potential for strong straight line winds and scattered tornadoes. Unlike typical Indiana springtime tornadoes, these may be shorter lived, but harder to spot because they may be masked in rain.

“While at this point we only anticipate receiving minor, localized flooding in portions of Indiana, IDHS and local officials are monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any weather related emergencies that may arise,” said IDHS Executive Director Joe Wainscott. “We’re asking all Hoosiers to also be alert and prepared.”

In September 2008, residual flooding and strong winds from Hurricane Ike claimed the lives of 7 people, forced 5,000 people in Munster, Ind., to evacuate, and left 350,000 residents across the state without power.