Huntsville, AL – A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday morning for parts of north and northeast Alabama as repeated rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms threaten to produce dangerous flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, saturated ground conditions combined with additional heavy rainfall will significantly increase the risk for flash flooding through the overnight hours.
The watch includes Cullman, Marshall, Jackson, and DeKalb counties, including the cities of Huntsville-area communities such as Guntersville, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Rainsville, and Cullman.
Forecasters said multiple waves of showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue moving across the region into early Saturday. With soils already soaked from recent rainfall, additional downpours may quickly overwhelm creeks, streams, drainage systems, and low-lying roads.
Flooding could develop rapidly in flood-prone neighborhoods, rural valleys, and urban areas with poor drainage. Smaller waterways may rise quickly during stronger thunderstorms capable of producing intense rainfall over short periods of time.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways, especially after dark when standing water can be difficult to see. Emergency officials also recommend monitoring weather alerts closely in case Flash Flood Warnings become necessary overnight.
The heaviest rainfall is expected to occur through late tonight before storm activity gradually weakens Saturday morning.
Residents across north Alabama should remain weather aware and prepare for possible travel disruptions and localized flooding through the start of the holiday weekend.
