Trying to discern clues from radar early this evening about where the heavy rain is going to set up.
It is easy to see that the area around Columbus MS is getting some really heavy rain now that will likely cause flooding if it persists. This area could move over into northern Pickens, Lamar, Fayette and Marion Counties.
The next area of concern is over parts of Hale, Perry, Bibb and Tuscaloosa Counties where what may be the northern edge of the upper low is producing increasing rainfall rates. Storms seem to be getting organized into western Shelby County…so I think this moves into Jefferson County and the rest of Shelby County with time. Look for very heavy rains in these areas.
Heavy rains over Lowndes, Dallas and Autauga Counties will lift north northeastward into Elmore, Coosa and eventaully Tallapoosa and Clay Counties over the next few hours.
A band of rain and storms lifting northward through northern St. Clair and Calhoun Counties is aiming toward Etowah County and the City of Gadsden. There was just a period of heavy rain in the Wellington community, where the flooding occurred last night. I think the cells were moving fast enough to prevent much in the way of problems.
We will be watching one hour rainfall rates and accumulated rainfall, especially as it relates to rainfall over the past 24 hours. Hopefully things will be moving a little faster tonight since the upper low is on the move. But heavy rain may be more widespread tonight.
A flash flood watch is in effect for Central and Northwest Alabama.
