Flood Watches Issued for Today and Tonight For North and Central Alabama; Strong Storms Possible Later Today

Very heavy rain and storms are building across Mississippi and Alabama this morning prompting a flood threat. There could be some strong storms today as well.

Another wave of rain and thunderstorms is beginning to affect Alabama this morning and heavy rain is developing back to the west over Mississippi that will move across the area today this morning along a stalled front.

That front snakes from a low near Nashville this morning back to near Shreveport.

Rain already covers the northwestern quarter of the state this morning, including parts of Colbert, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Franklin, and Marion Counties.

Heavy rain covers much of Central Mississippi. Moisture levels are very high, with precipitable water values running 1.75 inches, which is high for this time of year.

There is a good bit of lightning with most of the activity. SMall hail and gusty winds are possible with stronger storms this morning.

Rainfall amounts should be between 1 and 1.5 inches over the northern half of Alabama, roughly north of US-80 and I-85. Any locations that get 203 inches of rain could see flash flooding.

The area in green is flash flood watches. Areas in gray on the map are a dense fog advisory. You probably saw the pea soup fog in New Orleans yesterday if you were watching any of the National Championship activities in the Crescent City.

There will be enough instability for some strong storms this afternoon. The SPC has a marginal risk outlook posted for roughly the northern two-thirds of the state, generally north of US-80/I-85. Instability will be limited in the areas which see extensive rain this morning, but any areas to the south could see higher values and stronger updrafts. Shear gets weaker the further south you go though, which will help to limit problems. Damaging wind gusts and marginal hail will be the main issues.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS