Flash Flood Warning in Effect—See Affected Areas, Timelines, and Urgent Safety Steps Now

Central Alabama residents are on high alert this evening after the National Weather Service (NWS) expanded a flash flood warning that remains in effect until 11:30 p.m. CDT for Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties. Torrential thunderstorms have already dumped 1–2 inches of rain, and forecasters warn that another 1–2 inches could fall before the system exits. Key points • Impacted cities include Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster, Trussville, Leeds and Moody. • Rapid rises are possible on creeks, streams and urban drainage systems. • Travel after dark is especially dangerous; most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Why the warning was issued Doppler radar detected a slow-moving storm cluster tracking northeast across Central Alabama. With soils already saturated from weekend rainfall, even brief cloudbursts can overwhelm drainage networks and trigger life-threatening flash floods. The Weather Prediction Center’s Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook also highlights Alabama as a “slight risk” zone for additional flooding through Wednesday morning. What to do right now 1. Move to higher ground—do not wait for water to reach your doorstep. 2. Never drive across a flooded roadway. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep away most cars, and 18–24 inches will carry off SUVs and trucks. 3. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local TV or the NWS Birmingham Twitter feed for real-time updates. 4. If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and lock your home. 5. Keep cell-phones charged; have flashlights, batteries and an emergency kit ready. Road & travel impacts Even major interstates such as I-65, I-20 and I-459 can flood at underpasses and low spots. Expect ponding, hydroplaning hazards and sudden closures on U.S. Highway 280 and other commuter corridors. Evening commuters should add extra drive time or postpone travel until storms clear. School & business closings District officials in Jefferson and Shelby counties say they are monitoring conditions and will announce any delayed openings via robocall and social media by 5 a.m. Tuesday. Employers with first-shift operations in flood-prone zones should review contingency plans tonight. Flood safety reminders • “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” If you can’t see the pavement, assume the road is washed out. • Avoid parking near culverts or drainage ditches; fast-moving water can undermine pavement without warning. • Stay out of basements where outlets or extension cords are under water—electric shock can occur even in ankle-deep flooding. • If water rises around your vehicle and stalls the engine, abandon the car and climb to higher ground if you can do so safely. Looking ahead Rain chances diminish after midnight as the storm line shifts east, but saturated ground means additional flash flood warnings are possible through Wednesday. A cold front arriving late week will finally bring drier air and clear skies to Central Alabama. Bottom line Flash flooding develops faster than any other weather hazard. Heed the active flash flood warning, keep an eye on creeks and roadside ditches, and be prepared to react quickly until the NWS gives the all-clear.