Strong storms, more flooding expected in north Alabama on Monday - TN River near historic levels
By Paul Gattis | pgattis@al.com
Here it comes again.
Another wave of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected Monday across north Alabama and will, according to the National Weather Service forecast office in Huntsville, "aggravate the current flooding situation."
Another 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible Monday.
There is also the possibility of thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening that could create more flood problems, the weather service said.
Flooding concerns grow as Tennessee River nears historic levels
Emergency management officials throughout North Alabama are keeping a close eye on the Tennessee River as heavy rains may push it past historic levels.
In Monday's storms, the weather service said there is also the low probability of a few brief tornadoes.
The Storm Prediction Center has much of Alabama, including Huntsville and the Shoals, under a "slight" risk for severe weather on Monday.
More storms are possible Tuesday night into Wednesday as well.
The storms will increase in coverage in north Alabama after midnight as a strong storm system approaches the Tennessee Valley, producing gusty winds and localized heavy rain. The flood potential looms because the ground is already saturated, the weather service said.
The wet ground may also lead to trees being blown down by gusty winds.
On Monday, a line of thunderstorms is expected to move across north Alabama. It's expected to affect areas west of Interstate 65 during the morning and areas east of I-65 in the afternoon. A flash flood watch for north Alabama is in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.
A few brief tornadoes may be possible Monday but the overall threat of tornadoes is low, the weather service said.
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Flooding concerns grow as Tenneessee River nears historic levels
By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com
Hobbs Island Road at Oak Grove and Hill Road remain closed due to flooding, according to the Huntsville/Madison County Emergency Management Agency. (Contributed photo/Huntsville Madison County EMA)
Emergency management officials throughout North Alabama are keeping a close eye on the Tennessee River as heavy rains may push it past historic levels.
The National Weather Service in Huntsville has forecast the Tennessee River at the Whitesburg Bridge will crest on Sunday afternoon, at about 22.9 feet; flood stage is 17 feet. At 22.9 feet , the river would be at its highest levels since 2003.
According to the Madison County Emergency Management agency, Hobbs Island Road at Oak Grove and Hill Road are closed.
The river is expected to reach moderate or major flood stage with additional rain coming in Monday.
Paint Rock River near Woodville is expected to reach 20.21 feet. Flood stage there is 16 feet. Flint River at Brownsboro crested yesterday at 22.99 feet, almost six feet above flood stage. Its levels have been dropping and it's now below 12.7 feet as of noon today.
The timing of Monday's storm, according to the National Weather Service.
The area along the Tennessee River remains under a flood warning with a flash flood watch in place until 6 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service in Huntsville said a squall line will move across the Tennessee Valley Monday morning, dropping 1-2 inches of rain with locally higher amounts.
"This could lead to significant flash flooding as many areas are still experiencing flooding," the weather service said.
The storm also brings with it a high probability of damaging winds, some of which could reach up to 70 mph, as well low-to-moderate chances of large hail and tornadoes.
The storm comes as record high temperatures have been reported throughout North Alabama. Record highs were set in Huntsville yesterday, where it reached 72 degrees, breaking the old record of 70 degrees set in 1971. Muscle Shoals reached 73 degrees, tying a record set in 1971.