First ice, now possible floods—here’s what you need to know about rain in Alabama this week

Last week, Alabama saw some frigid temperatures, with many North Alabama residents being iced or snowed in for days and the demand for power breaking records. Just as we’re recovering from the ice-pocalypse, warmer temperatures are coming in—along with lots of rain. Here’s what you need to know about potential flooding and rainfall.

Moderate Risk of Excessive Rainfall on January 24, 2024

On the evening of January 22, the US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama posted that, “Much of northwest Alabama has been upgraded to a Moderate Risk of Excessive Rainfall for Wednesday. This represents the probability of excessive rainfall leading to flooding. We expect several inches of rain across the state from Tuesday to Sunday.”

Much of Alabama will see rain throughout the rest of the week, with northwest Alabama expected to receive the most. The Huntsville, Muscle Shoals, Cullman, Fort Payne and Tuscaloosa areas are expected to receive four to six inches from Tuesday morning to Sunday morning.

The most rain is supposed to arrive Wednesday morning through Thursday evening, and the US National Weather Service Huntsville Alabama has issued a Flood Watch for Flash Flooding for Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening. As of Tuesday morning, no severe weather is predicted.

Being prepared for potential flooding

Here are some tips from Ready.gov to keep in mind if you are under. flood warning this week:

• Find safe shelter right away.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Depending on the type of flooding:
  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Stay where you are.

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