The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Kenai River. The watch warns of rapid river rises along waterways draining into Cook Inlet between Soldotna and Homer, as well as Cooper Landing.

Additional flood watch waterways include the Anchor and Ninilchik Rivers and Stariski Creek and Deep Creek.

The flood watch is in effect through Saturday morning.

Heavy rains earlier this week caused Kenai Lake, located in the Kenai Mountains, to rise more than two feet. Wednesday’s heavy rains will cause the Kenai River at Cooper Landing to rise another two feet during the next three days and potentially reach flood levels Friday afternoon, the weather service says.

Below Skilak Lake, the Kenai River’s levels will rise through the remainder of the week, reaching minor flood levels this weekend. Minor flooding of low-lying areas around Kenai Lake and portions of the Kenai River are possible, the weather service says.

Residents are advised to report any minor flooding to local law enforcement agencies.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management’s website includes information about flood preparation. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible, the American Red Cross advised.