Editor’s note: The latest weather report for Monday can be found here. Our original story continues below.

Chicago area residents are being urged this week to use less water to prevent stormwater management systems across the region from overflowing.

According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, an “Overflow Action Day” was declared Sunday, with waves of rain expected in the coming days.

According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, rain is expected to continue into Tuesday, with some parts of the area receiving at least 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with heavier amounts possible locally.

According to the warning, residents are asked to postpone bathing or showering if possible. They are also encouraged to flush toilets less often and avoid high-water-use appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.

Overflow warnings are used by MWRD to prevent excess water from entering the sewer system. If too much water enters these systems, flooding can occur, including in the basements of homes and businesses.

Particularly severe flooding can result in untreated or partially treated wastewater entering the Chicago River.

The heaviest rain could fall Sunday evening and into Monday morning, causing localized road flooding in areas with poor drainage. Falling leaves could also cause sewers to clog, which could worsen flooding.

There will be periods of dry weather as the storm system moves through, but locally heavy rain may occur at times, with even some embedded thunderstorms possible.