Birmingham, Alabama – A Flood Watch remains in effect across much of central Alabama beginning Friday morning, Jan. 9, as heavy rainfall raises the risk of flash flooding through Saturday morning, Jan. 10.
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, the Flood Watch is in effect from 6 a.m. CST Friday, Jan. 9 through Saturday morning, Jan. 10, for a large portion of central Alabama.
Counties included in the watch area span much of the region, including Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery-area counties, Etowah, Calhoun, Talladega, Walker, Winston, Bibb, Autauga, Elmore, Dallas, Perry, Greene, Hale, Pickens, Lamar, Marion, Fayette, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Randolph, Sumter, Marengo, and St. Clair, among others. Cities potentially impacted include Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Pelham, Alabaster, Gadsden, Anniston, Selma, Demopolis, Wetumpka, Prattville, Talladega, and Alexander City.
Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of rainfall across much of the watch area through Saturday morning, Jan. 10, with localized totals exceeding 5 inches possible. Excessive rainfall could lead to rapid runoff, causing flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, low-lying areas, and poor-drainage urban locations.
The National Weather Service warns that flooding may develop quickly, especially in areas that receive repeated rounds of heavy rain. Residents in flood-prone locations are urged to remain alert and prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Motorists are reminded not to drive across flooded roadways, as water depth can be difficult to judge and road surfaces may be compromised.
