Parts of central Alabama experienced significant flash flooding on Saturday afternoon, June 20, after intense rainfall moved through Jefferson County.
Officials reported that more than six inches of rain fell in just over an hour in some areas, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving roads impassable. Several vehicles were stranded, trees were downed, and some areas remained flooded into Saturday evening.
Meteorologists explained that recent storms earlier in the week had already saturated the ground, making it harder for new rainfall to be absorbed. As a result, even short bursts of heavy rain quickly led to dangerous flooding conditions.
Authorities warned that floodwaters can be deceptively hazardous, even at shallow depths, and can move vehicles or cause them to lose control. Emergency officials emphasized the importance of avoiding flooded roadways and following the long-standing safety guidance: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Jefferson County Emergency Management also cautioned residents about additional dangers such as hidden road damage beneath floodwaters and the risk of downed trees involving live power lines.
Weather experts noted that flash flooding is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States, second only to extreme heat, underscoring the importance of treating it as a serious safety threat alongside tornadoes and high winds.