Flash Flood Threat Persists in Central Alabama Through Sunday

Photo byNational Weather Service

Central Alabama Faces Flash Flood Threat as Heavy Rain Continues

BIRMINGHAM — Issued by the National Weather Service at 2:09 AM CDT on September 14, 2024.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for central Alabama, with flash flooding possible through Sunday morning due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued the watch for numerous counties, highlighting the risk of flooding in urban areas, rivers, creeks, and low-lying locations.

Flash Flooding a Major Concern

The Flood Watch covers a broad region, including Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston counties. Central Alabama is expected to see continued showers and thunderstorms throughout today, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Excessive rainfall could lead to rivers, creeks, and streams rising out of their banks, causing hazardous conditions. Urban areas with poor drainage are particularly at risk, with flooding potentially impacting roads, homes, and businesses.

Preparation and Safety Measures Advised

Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant and monitor local weather updates. If you live in a flood-prone location, take necessary precautions, such as moving vehicles to higher ground and preparing for potential evacuation if conditions worsen. The National Weather Service advises avoiding travel through flooded roadways and cautions against driving through water of unknown depth.

With flash flooding likely in areas with heavy rainfall, emergency management and storm spotters may be activated to assist with monitoring and response efforts. Those in the watch area should be ready to act quickly if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.

Outlook for the Coming Days

While the immediate threat is concentrated through Sunday morning, the broader outlook suggests that hazardous weather is not expected to continue into next week. However, residents should remain aware of the potential for lingering effects from this weekend's storms, including saturated ground and elevated water levels in local waterways.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories are frequently updated by the National Weather Service. Please look for updates to this report from your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards radio.

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