Areal Flood Watches Replaced With Flash Flood Watches

Scott Martin | February 10, 2020 @ 8:11 am

Both NWS offices in Birmingham and Huntsville have decided to cancel the Areal Flood Watches that were set to start at 6:00 am this morning and go through 6:00 pm Tuesday and replace them with Flash Flood Watches. Here are the details:

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for a good portion of Central Alabama which went into effect at 6:00 am this morning and is set to expire at 6:00 pm Tuesday. Those counties placed in the watch are Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston.

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for all of North Alabama which went into effect at 6:00 am this morning and is set to expire at 6:00 pm Tuesday. Those counties placed in the watch are Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan.

There is a growing concern of flash flooding now with this rain system today, tonight and tomorrow. While overall we are expecting 4 to 6 inches of rain across the northern half of the area. There is growing confidence that some of this could occur over a 3 to 6 hours window this afternoon and then again into tonight. We could potentially see two or three heavy rain bands set up over the area during this time. With the heavy rain combined with backlogged streams, rivers, and full reservoirs, flash flooding is a growing concern. Additionally, ongoing river flooding and potential areal flooding will be possible. There is a potential for areas that do not typically flood to see some flash flooding.

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Avoid low lying and poor drainage areas, and be careful when approaching highway dips and underpasses.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Severe Weather

About the Author (Author Profile)

Scott Martin is an operational meteorologist, professional graphic artist, musician, husband, and father. Not only is Scott a member of the National Weather Association, but he is also the Central Alabama Chapter of the NWA president. Scott is also the co-founder of Racecast Weather, which provides forecasts for many racing series across the USA. He also supplies forecasts for the BassMaster Elite Series events including the BassMaster Classic.