The last thing Alabama needs now is more rain. But, unfortunately, we have several more days with rain in the forecast. After this morning, it’s possible we may not see the sun again until next Friday, January 4, if then. Obviously, we’ve had a serious amount of rainfall in the last 48 hours. There were water rescues in parts of our state. Any additional rainfall would exasperate and already bad situation. Concern is growing that more significant rainfall totals can be expected over the next 6 days.
ON THE MAP this morning, a new Low pressure system is developing in the western Gulf, which will ride northeastward today, tonight & Sunday.
TODAY: :Patchy dense fog in spots. Rain across south Alabama this morning will spread northward. Rain will become widespread by later this afternoon and tonight. High today 63. North wind at 5-10. Low tonight 55.
Here’s a couple of Future Radar snapshots. Rain advances into central Alabama this afternoon and becomes more widespread tonight.
NEXT FEW DAYS: Showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms from time to time Sunday. Showers and storms become likely Monday. No severe weather is expected. Rainfall could be heavy. Rain threat for Midnight celebrations look pretty high. More Rain on New Years day. Then, a new surge of locally heavy rain is possible in the Wednesday PM/Thursday time frame.
HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL RAIN?: Let me be clear. ANY additional rain would be a very bad thing. But, excessive rainfall amounts could create a serious additional flooding potential. This expected rainfall map below, which is a blend of several models, could be a little underdone. It suggests more than 3 inches of rain could fall over the next few days.
RIVER FLOOD WARNING: The Alabama River at Montgomery is near flood stage this morning.(35 feet) It will go to about 3.5 feet above flood stage by tomorrow morning. Minor flooding is expected. Flood warnings continue for various rivers and streams across the state. Click here to find out the river levels in your area. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=BMX
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I’ll keep you up to date with any changes as the New Years weekend unfolds. Have a great Saturday!
Rich