Birmingham, Alabama – Drivers across central Alabama face flooded roadways tonight as heavy thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas, pushing creeks and drainage systems beyond capacity through at least 3:15 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, flood advisories remain in effect for Jefferson, Walker, Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Blount, Etowah, St. Clair, Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Winston counties. Advisories for parts of the Birmingham metro, including Jefferson and Walker counties, continue until 11:15 p.m., while western and northwestern counties remain under alerts until 3:15 a.m. Doppler radar shows persistent downpours capable of producing rapid runoff.
In Jefferson County, Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Hoover could see water covering low-lying roads, especially along smaller creeks and poor drainage areas. Portions of I-20/59 and U.S. 78 have a history of brief flooding during intense rainfall. To the west, Tuscaloosa, Jasper, Fayette and Hamilton face elevated stream levels and water over secondary highways.
Emergency officials warn that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Drivers should avoid I-22 in Walker County and rural routes near the Sipsey and Black Warrior rivers if water covers pavement. Turn around rather than attempt to cross flooded roads, and use extra caution overnight when visibility drops.
Additional advisories could be issued before sunrise if storms continue training over the same counties.
