News Summary
Severe storms swept through Central Alabama over the weekend, resulting in extensive damage and significant power outages affecting over 105,000 customers. Communities from Trussville to Birmingham faced impact from strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall, with some areas experiencing severe flash flooding. Emergency services are currently working on recovery efforts as residents assess the aftermath.
Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage and Power Outages Across Central Alabama
Central Alabama experienced severe storms over the weekend, resulting in widespread damage and significant power outages across the region. The storms, which began early Saturday and continued into Sunday morning, brought strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall, affecting communities from Trussville and Birmingham to Hueytown and Vestavia Hills.
According to reports by Alabama Power, over 105,000 customers faced power outages due to the storms, with the hardest-hit areas being Trussville and Birmingham. By 9 a.m. on Sunday, efforts to restore service had successfully reduced the number of affected customers to less than 40,000. Despite these efforts, many residents faced ongoing disruptions as additional storms continued to strike the area.
The storms caused extensive damage, including uprooted trees that impacted vehicles and homes. In Lake Tuscaloosa, residents awoke to find trees downed and power lines cut off. In Vestavia Hills, strong winds led to tree limbs falling onto powerlines, generating sparks, and Merryvale Road at Highway 31 was closed due to significant pavement uplift caused by the storms.
As rainfall persisted across the region, flash flooding was reported in Jefferson and Shelby counties, with some areas receiving up to 5 inches of rain. Average rainfall in Central Alabama measured between 2-3 inches. Flooding conditions were notably severe in Hueytown, Sylacauga, and Vestavia Hills.
The National Weather Service confirmed at least three EF-1 tornadoes across Colbert and Lauderdale counties during the storms, drawing attention to the severity of the weather events. As a result of these dangerous conditions, a Tornado Watch was issued until 6 p.m. for southeast Alabama. Furthermore, a Flood Watch remains in effect for North and Central Alabama through Monday evening due to continued fears of flash flooding.
Motorists have been cautioned against driving on flooded roadways, following reports of rising water levels and hazardous conditions. Occupants of affected areas have been advised to stay vigilant, as the threat of severe weather is expected to move south and east as the storms progress into Sunday evening.
The storm’s impacts have highlighted the vulnerability of many communities during severe weather events, emphasizing the need for preparedness and awareness. Emergency services continue to monitor the conditions and provide assistance to residents facing the aftermath of the storms. Recovery efforts are underway to restore power and clear roadways that have been impeded by debris.
The situation remains fluid, and officials are urging residents to stay informed about weather updates as the storms continue to evolve. The national weather service has indicated that heavy thunderstorms are still moving across Alabama, maintaining a moderate risk for flash flooding in parts of south Alabama.
As Central Alabama begins to assess the damages and work towards recovery, the community is reminded of the unpredictability of severe weather and the importance of safety during such events.
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Additional Resources
- WBRC News
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather in the United States
- AL.com Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- CBS 42 News
- Google Search: Flash Flooding Alabama
