4 tips to stay safe during Montgomery’s flood watch

Get your rain gear ready, central Alabama. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham has issued a flood watch for Montgomery + surrounding counties, in effect from 7AM Thursday, June 18 through 7PM Friday, June 19.

We’re set for a very wet pattern over the next few days, thanks to Tropical Storm Arthur pushing off the Texas coast.

“Deep tropical moisture will move northeast toward our area Thursday and Friday, resulting in heavy rain and flooding concerns.”

– National Weather Service – Birmingham

Below are four critical tips to stay safe as this system moves in.

Tropical weather impacts + rainfall totals in Montgomery area

As the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Arthur is channeling deep tropical moisture straight into the Deep South. For the Montgomery area, widespread rainfall totals are projected to reach 4 to 6 inches through Friday afternoon, according to NWS.

Emergency management officials warn that localized areas trapped under heavy rainbands could see extreme isolated totals climbing even higher.

Cloud cover will keep daily highs in the mid-to-upper 80s, but heavy atmospheric moisture will make for an incredibly humid couple of days.

Flash flood safety + precautionary actions for Montgomery area

The tremendous amount of precipitable water with this tropical setup means that rapid runoff is a primary concern. Urban centers, low-lying zones + streets with poor drainage will be highly susceptible to sudden flash flooding.

To safely navigate the impacts of Tropical Storm Arthur over the next 48 hours, local officials urge residents to adhere to the following safety protocols:

• Turn around, don’t drown: Avoid driving through standing water, covered streets, or past safety barricades. Just one foot of moving water can easily sweep away a standard vehicle, so it’s never worth the risk.
• Stay weather-aware: Ensure your mobile alerts are enabled and keep an eye on local radar. You will want to be ready to act quickly if the National Weather Service upgrades the watch to a Flash Flood Warning for your neighborhood.
• Keep an eye on rising water: If your home or property sits near low-lying acres, creeks, or streams, monitor those levels closely + secure any outdoor items before the heaviest rainbands stall over the area.
• Avoid traveling after dark: Spotting flooded roadways becomes incredibly difficult once the sun goes down. If you don’t have to be out on the River Region roads during heavy nighttime downpours, it’s safest to stay put.

How are you preparing for the remnants of the tropical system? Let us know on Facebook.