Residents should clear their storm drains and gutters, and the areas around them, of snow and debris, toward preventing flooding from heavy rain expected today, Westborough Fire Capt. Robert Rand says.

Snow and debris near a storm drain can act "like a new curve," directing water away from the drain, Rand said this morning.

"The idea is to let the storm drain do its job," he said.

The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a flood watch from 2 p.m. today to Wednesday morning for much of Southern New England, including Framingham and Worcester.

About an inch of rain could fall during this period, the agency said.

"Any flooding of small streams is expected to be minor," according to the weather service website.

"Poor drainage street flooding is likely later this afternoon and evening, especially where snow is blocking catch basins. This could have an impact on the evening rush hour."