ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a flood watch for portions of Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Homeowners in low lying areas are watching the forecast very closely, and preparing for the worst.

Heavy rainfall expected Monday night and Tuesday will create an increased risk for flooding. Rivers and streams may exceed their banks and flood in flood-prone locations.

As of late Sunday night, there were no reports of any widespread flooding, but water levels are still rising on local rivers and creeks. And some worry that could mean they're still in for a very wet week.

"We've had it clear up to here before," said Dan Schroeder, who lives just behind flood prone Baugo Creek. "And it's very dangerous."

"It sounds like a waterfall," agreed his wife Lisa. "It's rushing so fast. You can hear it."

Since the Schroeders moved to the neighborhood 5 years ago, Baugo Creek has burst its banks nearly a dozen times, and they're convinced it's about to happen again.

"It's already come up well over a foot [in the last 6 hours]," Dan said. "By [Monday] morning it'll probably be to the top of these steps," he continued, pointing to the steps just below his garage door.

That's why they're staying prepared. The Schroeders have two sump pumps ready to work overtime, and a third is on standby-- along with a generator-- just in case the lights go out.

But it's not just homes on rivers and creeks that are risk of flooding. As the snow melts, gutters and sump pumps can get overwhelmed quickly, meaning water seeps inside.

South Bend Servicemaster workers have already seen the problems.

"We actually started getting calls earlier today," said Servicemaster President Jeremy Davidson. "Low lying areas are the biggest problem. But we do see quite a bit of problems just in snow packed yards."

Davidson says it's proof it doesn't take a huge rainfall to cause huge problems.

"Very little water can cause severe damage in a home. Homes are not made to absorb large amounts of water."

But, in most cases, there is still time to keep it from happening to you.

"Make sure that drains are clear. Make sure egress windows are clear. Make sure your sump pumps are running well," Davidson said. "Thinking ahead is a big step."

That's exactly what the Schroeders are doing, and so far it's paid off. They just hope their luck hasn't run out yet, because -- rain or not -- it looks like water is on the way.

"It's just beginning," said Dan.

There are still sandbags available at the Six Span Bridge in Elkhart for homeowners concerned about rising water.

If water does seep into your home, experts say it's important to mop up whatever you can, unplug any nearby appliances, and get valuable items to higher ground.