A number of people have had to be rescued from their vehicles after attempting to drive through flood waters in Alabama, which occurred after several inches of rain fell in just a few hours.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning across central Alabama, in places such as Jefferson County and Shelby County, after around six to 10 inches of rain fell.
A number of areas were told to expect flash flooding, including Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia, Pelham, Fultondale, Tarrant, Indian Springs Village and Samford University, with the NWS warning people to seek higher ground as there is a potential for the loss of life.
Flood warnings—where people are advised to be prepared to take action—have also been issued across most of Alabama and western areas of Georgia.
Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Coker said that while there are no reports of any injuries or deaths, a number of people have had to be rescued from their cars after they became trapped in the rising waters.
“We’ve had numerous water rescues, people trapped in cars and rescued by fire departments and police departments, and we’ve had damage reports of trees on houses and trees on roadways, and it’s really across the entire Birmingham metro area,” Coker told CNN.
The Pelham Police Department also tweeted that “dozens” of water rescues are underway and warned people not to attempt to drive through the flood waters.
In Brewton, police said one person had to be rescued after his car flooded after driving on a road that had been closed off due to the flooding.
“Luckily this person was successfully pulled from the waters but their vehicle is now in need of costly repair,” the Brewton Police Department wrote on Facebook.
The Flash Flood Emergency has been extended until 5:00a. Dozens of water rescues are ongoing. If you have called, please know, we are coming.
A bit of perspective: this is our Monster Mash – our high water rescue vehicle. The water is up to the bottom of the door. Probably 4 ft. pic.twitter.com/t6528soEag
— Pelham Police Dept (@PelhamPoliceAL) October 7, 2021
Here’s a general look at radar-estimated rainfall totals this evening. There are numerous backyard weather stations showing 5-10 inches of rain in parts of Shelby County and Jefferson County. Radar shows additional rainfall developing. Yes, again x4! #alwx pic.twitter.com/aeQvN6C7OU
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) October 7, 2021
Dangerous and life threatening flash flood emergency is still ongoing in Jefferson County.
This is NOT the evening to challenge mother nature and get out in your vehicle. There are multiple water rescues and flooded roadways.
JUST. STAY. HOME.
#ALwx— Jefferson County EMA (AL) (@EMAJeffCoAL) October 7, 2021
LIFE-THREATENING FLOODING ONGOING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AND SHELBY COUNTY. Scanners are nonstop with calls for assistance. Please remain at home! Do not enter flood waters if you’re already out traveling.
Flooding is also occurring in parts of Blount County. pic.twitter.com/VVw7AJ5cW3
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) October 7, 2021
The NWS also said it is imperative that people do not attempt to drive in the current conditions, unless completely necessary.
“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order,” the agency stated in their latest warning.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
While heavy rainfall should end on Thursday, the NWS says that the runoff of the downpours will result in further flooding in areas such as Vestavia Hills and immediate surrounding areas.
Coker also warned that the impact of the flooding will be felt over the next few days.
“Crews will be out tomorrow checking damage and checking infrastructure, which is everything from roadways to pipelines to powerlines,” he told CNN.
The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency has been contacted for further comment.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Alabama Flooding: People Trapped in Cars Amid Heavy Deluge
Source: Gwapo Pinoys PH
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