What started as a quiet weekend could spiral into chaos as the skies open up over Alabama. A massive swath of the state—25 counties in total—is under a Flood Watch through Monday evening, with officials warning that flash flooding could happen faster than you can react. From Tuscaloosa to Montgomery, the threat is real, and it’s growing by the hour.
According to the National Weather Service, the danger stems from a large storm system creeping across the Southeast. It’s expected to dump 1.5 to 2 inches of rain across the region, with isolated pockets possibly receiving more. The problem? The ground is already soaked from previous rain. That means even moderate rainfall could overwhelm creeks, drainage systems, and roads—setting the stage for flash floods that come with little to no warning.
The impacted areas span a huge portion of the state, including both major cities and rural communities. Counties under the Flood Watch include Jefferson, Montgomery, Shelby, Lee, Tuscaloosa, and 20 others. Urban areas like Birmingham and Auburn are especially vulnerable, where rainfall drains more slowly and flash flooding can turn intersections into rivers within minutes.
But it doesn’t stop at rising water. Southern Alabama is also facing the risk of severe thunderstorms, with damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and large hail a possibility. These storms could knock out power, down trees, and make travel dangerous—especially at night when flooded roads are harder to see.
Here’s what you should be doing right now:
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Do not drive through flooded roads. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles.
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Charge your phones and flashlights in case of power outages.
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Monitor local weather reports and stay alert to emergency alerts or evacuation guidance.
With weather this unpredictable, conditions can deteriorate quickly. Emergency management crews are on standby, but early preparation is the best defense. Officials emphasize that just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet—and a foot of water can carry away most cars.
So whether you’re in a downtown apartment in Montgomery or a backroad farmhouse in Clay County, don’t underestimate this system. Weather patterns like this one can appear slow-moving, but once the rain starts to fall, things can change in an instant.
Bottom line: Central and southern Alabama are on flood watch because the ingredients for disaster are already in place—soggy ground, incoming rain, and the potential for powerful storms. Monday may start normal, but it may not end that way. Stay indoors, stay informed, and stay ready.
