Weather Alert: Flood Watch Issued as Hurricane Helene Impacts Huntsville with Heavy Rain and Winds

Weather Update for Huntsville, Alabama

Good afternoon, Huntsville! As we enjoy the mix of sun and clouds, temperatures are comfortably sitting in the 70s and low 80s. While it feels lovely outside, there’s a little storm brewing that we need to talk about.

A Few Showers Coming Our Way

This afternoon, we can expect a few scattered showers, especially after 3 P.M. along the Alabama/Georgia state line. If you’re in that area, make sure to keep an umbrella handy just in case!

The Influence of Hurricane Helene

As the day rolls on into the night, we’ll start feeling the effects of a weakening Hurricane Helene. While the storm is losing strength, it’s still expected to bring some heavy rainfall and gusty winds, particularly for those of us living east of I-65. It’s crucial to be cautious as flooding is a possibility overnight, and a Flood Watch is currently in effect for all counties until Friday afternoon.

What to Expect Tonight

Areas east of I-65 will face the highest risk of flooding tonight and into Friday morning. Along with flooding, a Wind Advisory is also in place for Marshall, DeKalb, and Jackson counties, lasting until 1 A.M. During this time, we might see wind gusts reaching up to 35 MPH, which could be even stronger in elevated areas. So, hang on to your hats!

Continuing Weather Woes

Heavy rain and strong winds will persist through the morning hours of Friday. Keep those rain boots close; you’ll likely need them! By Friday afternoon, we should see a few lingering showers, but thankfully the heaviest rainfall will be winding down. While it will not be completely dry, we can look forward to a bit of relief.

Your Weekend Outlook

As we gaze into the weekend, it looks like there will still be some showers in the forecast Friday night into Saturday. However, widespread rain doesn’t seem likely. It will be breezy, with gusts up to 25 MPH. If you’re planning outdoor activities, don’t forget to check the weather!

Sunday and Beyond

Sunday could bring a few more showers, but much of the weekend is expected to be dry. In terms of rainfall totals, the east side, particularly close to the Alabama/Georgia state line, might see upwards of 7 inches of rain, while the western areas around Florence or Russellville will likely receive less than a quarter inch.

Next Week Looks Bright

Looking ahead to next week, we can all look forward to some sunny and pleasant weather as temperatures hover around 80 degrees. It’s a welcome change after the rain and wind we’ve been dealing with!

Stay safe and stay tuned for further updates as we navigate the stormy skies ahead. It looks like we’re in for quite a treat with the upcoming sunny days. Enjoy the rest of your day, Huntsville!