We had been running a bit behind in the rainfall department across Central Alabama. That is changing this morning.
Moderate to heavy rain continues across about 90 percent of the region from US-278 in North Alabama to US-80 in South Central Alabama.
It’s a real downpour in lots of places. Some of the heaviest rain at this hour is generally along or approaching the I-20 corridor.
A big flash flood warning covers eastern Bibb, much of Chilton, much of Shelby, Talladega and northern Coosa Counties. It goes until 10:30 a.m. for now.
The Central third of the state picked up at least 1.5 inches of rain overnight, with large areas getting over 2.5 inches. Radar estimates indicate parts of Shelby, Chilton and Coosa Counties may have gotten four inches or more.
Parts of NE Alabama look like they have gotten 3 or more inches, over Calhoun and Cleburne Counties mainly.
Rainfall rates may approach one inch in 30 minutes with the heavier cells.
There is a good bit of lightning and thunder out there, as I am sure many of your dogs can attest. Nearly solid band of storms with lightning from Carrollton to Tuscaloosa across Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa and Chambers Counties, up into Randolph County, near Wedowee
FLOOD WARNING FOR CAHABA RIVER
Flood Warning is in effect for the Cahaba River at Centreville.
THE CULPRIT
The primary culprit this morning is a northward moving warm front across Central Alabama. It is triggering showers and thunderstorms across the state.
We also have an active southern branch of the jet stream. It is very strong across northern Mexico, blowing at over 150 mph this morning. It slows down at it moves over the Gulf of Mexico. This is known as an “exit region” of the jet. On the left side of this exit region, there is an area of diverging air aloft, where the air is spreading apart. This makes it very easy for air to rise, and rising air means clouds and rain.
In addition, there are lots of disturbances in this fast flow. As they move northeast over the South today, they will serve to enhance precipitation.
SOME LATE REPORTS
…Michael Mills in Alabaster reporting Buck Creek running high. 2.5 inches of rain at his place. Spring Creek near Shelby has risen out of its banks as ell according to the NWS.
…Skywatcher at Cottondale reports 2.38 inches of rain.
…Talladega County EMA personnel reports 3/4 width of the road flooding, nearly 30 feet long on Berney Station Road (Co. Rd 303) near Taylors Mill Rd. Also, Lay Lake VFD reports flooding on Mcgowens Ferry Rd at both ends and Heasletts Rd is flooding all the way across the road in several places.
