It is raining buckets over the western tier of counties in Alabama due to that line of strong thunderstorms that crossed the border from Mississippi. This is especially true in Lamar County, where we would not be surprised to see reports of flooding. The line of intense storms extends from the west part of Marion County, in NW Alabama, down through the heart of Lamar County including Sulligent, Vernon and Millport and into Pickens and Sumter Counties.
No doubt some of that area is getting rain at the rate of an inch or more an hour.
SOME LATE REPORTS
* Tuscaloosa skywatcher reports 0.49 so far and the big storms are not yet there.
* 1.07 inches of rain in Jemison and, for the time being, the storms have abated in that area.
* So far, Fayette has received 0.80 and they will be getting some very heavy rain out of Lamar County fairly soon.
* NWS/Birmingham issued an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for Talladega County until 2:30. This includes the cities of Talladega, Sylacauga, Childersburg and Lincoln. Just before 1:30, radar indicated more heavy rain moving in to already soaked Talladega County. (How about that? We are talking about a soaked county in the midst of our big drought.) However, minor flooding has already been reported in the Sylacauga area. They could get as much as 2 additional inches.
GREATER BIRMINGHAM AREA
The storms that looked so favorable to give Birmingham some heavy rain fizzled after they left Tuscaloosa. There are still some thunderstorms in the greater Birmingham area, but not real strong. However, the strong storms that have now moved into West Alabama may offer us some good rain later in the afternoon.
LATE INFORMATION
NWS has now posted a Special Weather Statement (Significant Weather Alert) for Marion County in NW Alabama until 2:00 p.m. This includes the City of Winfield. You know the story. It means strong gusty winds, very heavy rain and very dangerous lightning. There is enough rain falling quickly from these storms to set off some localized flooding.
In my opinion, we should have all learned in the fourth grade to scamper when dangerous lightning is approaching. The safest rule you can use is to hightail it inside when you hear thunder, even the faintest of thunder.
Lightning is truly frightening.
