Alabama, 2019

Flash Flooding and Flooding in Alabama, February 19 to 25, 2019

February 19 to 25, 2019 · NWS HUN · 64 events in 11 counties and zones

Extensive flooding encompassed much of the Tennessee Valley from mid-late February, specifically from February 20th through the 24th. Monthly rainfall totals across the area easily surpassed a foot of rainfall for the month, with many locations racking up totals approaching 15 for the month.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
64

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS HUN wrote it up.

Extensive flooding encompassed much of the Tennessee Valley from mid-late February, specifically from February 20th through the 24th. Monthly rainfall totals across the area easily surpassed a foot of rainfall for the month, with many locations racking up totals approaching 15 for the month. Widespread flooding occurred on all tributaries and especially along the Tennessee River thanks to numerous round of rainfall that varied anywhere from 2-3 to 5-8 of rain at a time throughout the month. This flood rivaled both the floods of March 1973 (flood of record for many river sites) and May 2003, both of which caused major flooding damages across the area.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Huntsville, AL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 19, 3:34 PM CST, 1 hour earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 19, 3:34 PM CST, 1 hour before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
334 PM CST Tue Feb 19 2019

.NEAR TERM...(Tonight)
Issued at 332 PM CST Tue Feb 19 2019

An unusual event is unfolding across the TN Valley today. We started
the day with a mix of rain and sleet as a result of dry/cold sub
cloud layer. As rain moved in it was able to saturate this layer
closer to noon converting everything over to all rain. Soundings via
UAH as part of VORTEXSE operations at 18z showed strong WAA occurring
aloft. Strong lift in this region coupled with cold/steep lapse
rates was resulting in numerous thunderstorms. Due to the colder
nature of the atmospheric profile we have had reports of pea to dime
size hail with some of the stronger storms. What makes this so
unusual is the fact that temps have remained below 40 degrees so far.
The main surface based warm front is still anchored along the Gulf
Coast and much of these storms are developing along the elevated
frontal boundary moving through the area. Strong W/SW winds aloft
oriented almost parallel to this boundary are resulting in some
training of storms across MS and into NW AL.

MRMS rainfall estimates with the band of storms indicate totals
closer to 2 inches. Saturated soils were resulting in almost all of
this rain being converted over to all runoff. This is something we
will have to watch closely as some of the storms moving out of MS
move into the area. Any training of storms over a particular area
could warrant Flash Flood Warnings, especially in many urban
locations.

Now in terms of what will occur for the rest of the evening, an upper
level system was shifting out of the desert SW and into the Central
Plains. This was causing pressure falls over the TX Gulf Coast with a
surface low expected to develop and track N/NE along the MS River
basin tonight. A strong 50-60kt LLJ tied to this surface low is
forecast to move N/NE towards the area overnight. This coupled with a
stronger jet aloft will be able to transport near record moisture
into the TN Valley. As it stands now, the latest guidance continues
to show that best lift/forcing associated with system moving into the
Plains will stay to our west with the heaviest rainfall axis being
centered along the MS River tonight. However, current radar/satellite
imagery indicate a narrow band of showers/storms moving north out of
New Orleans area and into central MS. Moving that forward in time
would bring it up over the area later this evening, which models are
not quite accounting for. The current forecast will show a slight
decreasing trend overnight as the warm frontal boundary aloft moves
north into TN. But as mentioned above we'll have to watch the narrow
band of precip in MS.

Rainfall totals are likely too low and will be higher where we see
any training of precip. We will continue to monitor and make
adjustments to the forecast this afternoon/evening. The Flood Watch
was updated this morning and went into effect at Noon and will run
through Friday. The one other concern that we might be
underforecasting the winds tonight. Model soundings indicate a
sizable inversion over the area and the stronger winds may not quite
be able to mix down to the surface. Some of the higher winds might
be possible in the terrain in NE AL and southern middle TN and have
tried to show some of those gusts there.

.SHORT TERM...(Wednesday through Thursday night)
Issued at 332 PM CST Tue Feb 19 2019

The surface low will be shifting into western TN Wednesday morning
and the heavier rainfall axis will be centered near the low. As the
low moves into western TN and the pressure gradient tightens over the
area, it looks like a CAD situation might develop in the Lee of the
Appalachians. Some of that is going to spill into the TN Valley and
likely could help to reinforce our low level inversion through the
morning. The other impact this might have is that it could really
enhance the convergence over the area and increase forcing.

As the surface low shifts into the OH Valley it will push a cold
front into the area later in the day. Latest guidance is probably a
bit too quick with the frontal passage tomorrow and move it east of
the area by Wednesday evening. Think that even though the CAD is
projected to weaken through the day this may end up slowing the
progression of the front and it might stall over the area for a brief
period of time tomorrow. When analyzing forecast soundings, there is
upwards of 500 J/kg of MUCAPE expected along and ahead of the front.
With near record PWATs, strong convergence, and a rather unstable
environment for late February could result in intense rainfall rates
of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Winds from 850mb to through 250mb would
be paralleling the frontal boundaries and we could see training of
storms. When taking all of that into consideration was a bit reserved
to use the lower QPF amounts guidance was providing. So, have tried
to show higher amounts during the afternoon hours as the front moves
into the area and where we might see training of storms.

High pressure shifting E/NE into the OH Valley will help to push the
lingering frontal boundary south of the area Thursday morning. While
the core of the heavier rain will be south we should still see some
light rain continue. River flooding should be ongoing at this point
and the concern that we have is the models trending lower with
rainfall amounts has brought forecasted river levels below where
they might actually end up after all this rainfall. Taking into
consideration where QPF might be, flooding could be comparable to the
Christmas 2015 flood at the low end.

While this front is moving across the area a trough will be digging
into the desert SW and should result in a continuation of the strong
S/SW flow over the area. Shortwaves ejecting out of this trough could
bring the front back into the area Thursday evening. Some guidance is
showing a few bands of heavier rain moving across the area as these
waves cross the area. Rainfall amounts won't be nearly as high due
some slightly drier air aloft. But any rain will continue to impact
river flooding.

Thursday night into Friday could end up similar to what we had today,
a warm front lifts back to the north with strong convergence focused
along the boundary. Light to moderate rainfall moves back into the
area as we head into Friday.

.LONG TERM...(Friday through Monday)
Issued at 332 PM CST Tue Feb 19 2019

The extended period begins Friday morning with a warm front nearly
overhead/slightly displaced just N of the CWFA, with light to
moderate rain likely ongoing by this time. Friday overall will be a
wet day, thanks to the stalled frontal boundary and several
disturbances riding NE along it through the day. This round of
rainfall will exacerbate any ongoing/lingering flooding concerns from
heavy rainfall received earlier in the week. Rainfall totals for the
Friday/Friday night timeframe look upwards of 1.5-2", with isolated
higher amounts from any thunderstorms that occur during this time. It
goes without saying that this will add to flooding issues ongoing
across Northern AL/Srn Middle TN.

The bigger story in the extended revolves around the forecast during
the day/evening timeframe Saturday. A potent upper level system
takes shape across the Intermountain West later this week, spawning
cyclogenesis Friday night into Saturday over the TX/OK Panhandles
region, and ejecting NE into the Ern KS/MO through the day
Saturday/Saturday evening. This part of the forecast will definitely
require some fine-tuning in the next couple of days. The pattern is
favorable for a QLCS for our area, with perhaps QLCS/supercells to
the N/W over portions of Wrn TN. Any shift of the upper level pattern
would increase/decrease our threat for severe weather during this
time, and this will need to be watched closely. For now, the
ingredients are there for at least strong to possibly severe wind
gusts along the line of storms that march across the area Saturday
evening/night. Daytime high temperatures Saturday will top out in the
lower/middle 70s, which is unseasonably warm for this time of year.
Dewpoints will creep up into the lower 60s as well with stout Srly flow
ahead of the front. An 850mb jet of 50-60kts, 300-400 m2/s2 SRH, and
0-1km shear of 40kts (with 0-3km shear of 50kts) will lead to the
potential for 50-60mph wind gusts along the line, with a lesser
chance for a brief spin-up tornado. Add to that PWat values around
1.6", which are record values for both BMX/OHX SPC PWat Climo values
for this time of year, and you're looking at a mixed bag of weather
on tap for Saturday. In addition to the severe threat, moderate/heavy
rainfall will accompany this fropa through early Sunday, adding
another 1-2" (with isolated higher amounts possible). Again, it
sounds like a broken record, but this will further exacerbate the
ongoing flooding conditions across the area. For this reason, the
Flood Watch may need to be extended further in the weekend (as it
currently runs through 00Z Saturday. This is in the 'fine tuning'
that will happen over the next couple of days, so stay tuned. The
fairly active pattern isn't quite done yet.

There is an end in sight, however brief, that will occur in the wake
of this fropa this weekend early Sunday. DRY WEATHER WILL BE EXPECTED
FOR ALMOST A FULL 36 HOURS, so get out there and enjoy it! Dry
conditions are expected mid-morning Sunday and all day Monday,
before more rainfall develops and overspreads the region on Tuesday.
Depending on your model of choice that far out in the extended,
another 1" (at least) is on the horizon (you guessed it:
further adding to the lingering flooding concerns across the area). A
lot can change between now and then, though, so stay tuned for
further forecast updates between now and then.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Wednesday afternoon)
Issued at 1128 AM CST Tue Feb 19 2019

Light to moderate rain has moved into both terminals but cigs remain
above 5,000ft. We've some brief lowering in vsbys to 3-4SM at times
but expect vsbys to hover around 5SM until later in the afternoon. A
warm front to the south lifts into the area this afternoon/evening
and cigs should drop to between 700-1,500ft as more moderate to heavy
rain moves in. Thunderstorms embedded in this line may result in
heavier downpours further reducing cigs/vis. May see some slight
improvement in cigs back above 1,000ft late tonight as the front
moves north of the area. Amendments will likely be needed through the
period.

&&

.HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AL...Flood Watch through Friday afternoon for ALZ001>010-016.

TN...Flood Watch through Friday afternoon for TNZ076-096-097.

&&

NEAR TERM...Stumpf
SHORT TERM...Stumpf
LONG TERM...12
AVIATION...Stumpf

For more information please visit our website
at weather.gov/huntsville.
Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 19, 2:55 PM CST, 1 hour 39 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
255 PM CST Tue Feb 19 2019

ALZ001>010-016-TNZ076-096-097-201200-
Lauderdale-Colbert-Franklin AL-Lawrence-Limestone-Madison-Morgan-
Marshall-Jackson-DeKalb-Cullman-Moore-Lincoln-Franklin TN-
255 PM CST Tue Feb 19 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north Alabama and portions of
southern middle Tennessee.

.DAY ONE...Tonight...

Heavy rainfall will continue into tonight, along with a few
thunderstorms, before shifting to the north and west of the area.
Runoff from this activity may lead to localized flash flooding and
areal flooding this evening and tonight.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through 6 PM CST Friday evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday...

Additional rounds of heavy rainfall are expected Wednesday and
Wednesday night, with a few thunderstorms possible as well. Rainfall
totals of 2 to 4 inches will be possible during this time. Runoff
from this heavy rainfall will continue to add to the flooding
conditions across the area, causing rises on area creeks, rivers, and
streams.

Another round of heavy rainfall arrives Friday and Friday night with
an additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall possible. This will add
runoff to already swollen rivers and creeks across the area.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday and Saturday
evening as a cold front approaches the area from the West. 50 to 60
mph winds will be the primary threat as the line of storms crosses
the region. The threat for strong to severe storms will end overnight
Saturday into early Sunday morning as the front moves east of the
region.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Formal activation of storm spotters and emergency management
personnel is not anticipated today, but timely reports of heavy rain
and flooding would be appreciated. Formal activation may be
necessary later this week or this weekend.

12

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Feb 19, 2:09 PM CST, 2 hours 25 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
209 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

ALZ010-192100-
DeKalb AL-
209 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR DEKALB COUNTY UNTIL 300 PM CST...

At 209 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Geraldine, moving northeast at 50 mph.

Penny size hail will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Fort Payne, Rainsville, Henagar, Crossville, Sylvania, Fyffe, Powell,
Geraldine, Ider and Valley Head.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a
safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3448 8558 3444 8558 3437 8563 3420 8600
      3420 8603 3433 8611 3440 8612 3443 8611
      3448 8606 3449 8597 3461 8581 3467 8575
      3478 8557 3453 8551
TIME...MOT...LOC 2009Z 239DEG 43KT 3435 8601

BCC
Local storm report, Feb 19, 2:21 PM CST, 2 hours 13 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HUNTSVILLE AL
221 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0220 PM     HAIL             RAINSVILLE              34.49N 85.85W
02/19/2019  E0.25 INCH       DEKALB             AL   PUBLIC

            PEA-SIZED HAIL AT THE CORNER OF AL 75 & AL
            35.

&&

BCC
Special weather statement, Feb 19, 2:54 PM CST, 1 hour 40 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
254 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

ALZ006>008-016-192130-
Marshall AL-Madison AL-Morgan AL-Cullman AL-
254 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN MARSHALL...SOUTHERN
MADISON...NORTHERN CULLMAN AND MORGAN COUNTIES UNTIL 330 PM CST...

At 254 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Falkville, moving northeast at 65 mph.

Pea size hail will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Huntsville, Cullman, Hartselle, Guntersville, Arab, Redstone Arsenal,
Priceville, Owens Cross Roads, Falkville and Triana.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a
safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3417 8692 3438 8709 3456 8684 3455 8679
      3460 8679 3479 8651 3441 8621
TIME...MOT...LOC 2054Z 238DEG 58KT 3434 8687

BCC
Special weather statement, Feb 19, 3:12 PM CST, 1 hour 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
312 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

ALZ002>004-192145-
Lawrence AL-Franklin AL-Colbert AL-
312 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN COLBERT...
SOUTHEASTERN FRANKLIN AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM CST...

At 312 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Hackleburg, or 14 miles north of Hamilton, moving northeast at 70
mph.

Nickel size hail will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Russellville, Moulton, Phil Campbell, Town Creek, Littleville,
Leighton, Courtland, Belgreen, North Courtland and Hillsboro.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a
safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3480 8743 3480 8736 3475 8729 3476 8724
      3472 8714 3469 8711 3449 8711 3431 8768
      3432 8802 3436 8804
TIME...MOT...LOC 2112Z 233DEG 70KT 3433 8789

BCC
Special weather statement, Feb 19, 3:58 PM CST, 36 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
358 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

ALZ004>007-016-192230-
Lawrence AL-Madison AL-Morgan AL-Limestone AL-Cullman AL-
358 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN MADISON...
SOUTHEASTERN LIMESTONE...NORTHWESTERN CULLMAN...MORGAN AND LAWRENCE
COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM CST...

At 357 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Trinity, or near Decatur, moving northeast at 70 mph.

Locations impacted include...
Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Hartselle, Moulton, Redstone
Arsenal, Meridianville, Priceville and Trinity.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a
safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3422 8711 3430 8711 3430 8742 3469 8734
      3487 8658 3424 8665
TIME...MOT...LOC 2157Z 242DEG 62KT 3454 8708

KTW
Special weather statement, Feb 19, 4:00 PM CST, 34 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
400 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

ALZ010-192230-
DeKalb AL-
400 PM CST TUE FEB 19 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN DEKALB COUNTY UNTIL
430 PM CST...

At 400 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Ider, or 15 miles northeast of Fort Payne, moving northeast at 70
mph.

Locations impacted include...
Fort Payne, Henagar, Sylvania, Ider, Valley Head, Hammondville,
Mentone, Sulpher Springs and Desoto State Park.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a
safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3450 8555 3450 8556 3449 8556 3448 8558
      3446 8558 3443 8563 3460 8582 3463 8578
      3474 8570 3475 8569 3475 8567 3477 8565
      3482 8558 3453 8551
TIME...MOT...LOC 2200Z 228DEG 59KT 3465 8559

KTW

The radar

The Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 113 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:31 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

61 flood, 3 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 19, 4:34 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.49 mi SSE of Toonersville to 1.33 mi SSE of Toonersville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.850, -87.320

Turner Lindsey Road closed in Rogersville due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 19, 4:36 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.78 mi WSW of Center Hill to 1.24 mi SW of Center Hill
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.938, -87.458

CR 458 was reported closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 19, 4:58 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 0.95 mi WNW of Lexington to 0.54 mi W of Lexington
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.977, -87.384

CR 156 closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 19, 5:12 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.7 mi W of Upper Green Hill to 1.25 mi W of Upper Green Hill
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.980, -87.530

CR 130 closed due to flooding near Cowpen Creek. Water depth unknown.

Flash Flood, Morgan

When
February 19, 6:10 PM CST to February 20, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 1.18 mi SSE of Falkville to 0.51 mi SW of Falkville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.354, -86.894

Six to eight inches of water over Douglass Road between Piney Grove Street and West Piney Grove Road.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 19, 6:15 PM CST to February 20, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.83 mi ESE of Lexington to 1.89 mi ESE of Lexington
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.960, -87.340

CR 502 was closed in the Lexington area. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 19, 6:15 PM CST to February 20, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, Powell to 0.1 mi SSE of Powell
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.970, -87.230

CR 520 closed near the East fork of Anderson Creek. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 19, 9:00 PM CST to February 20, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 0.57 mi W of Cedar Lake to 0.66 mi W of Cedar Lake
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.550, -86.980

Central Parkway and Cedar Lake Roads are flooded. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 19, 9:05 PM CST to February 20, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.45 mi WNW of Jacksonburg to 1.24 mi WNW of Jacksonburg
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.889, -87.693

Portions of CR 42 and CR 24 reported being washed out due to flooding.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 19, 9:19 PM CST to February 20, 5:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 1.33 mi WNW of Flint City to 0.77 mi SSE of Russell Hill
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.530, -86.990

Poole Valley Road impassable due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Limestone

When
February 19, 10:30 PM CST to February 20, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Limestone County, 1.49 mi SSE of Ripley to 0.92 mi SW of Wheeler Lake North
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.730, -87.110

Several roads near Athens had water of an unknown depth over them. They include Lawngate Road between Shaw and Browns Ferry Road, Weaver Road between Snake and Little Elk Roads, Ripley Road between Shaw and Gilbert, and Bill Black Road and South Lane.

Flood, Limestone

When
February 19, 10:30 PM CST to February 20, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Limestone County, 0.57 mi W of Bethel to 0.23 mi NW of Bethel
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.930, -86.840

Water of an unknown depth was across Lambert Road at Bethel Road.

Flood, Limestone

When
February 19, 10:30 PM CST to February 20, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Limestone County, 0.69 mi S of Gourdsville to 0.95 mi SW of Gourdsville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.970, -87.080

Shoal Creek Road between Gadsden Road and Buzzard Roost Road has water of an unknown depth over the road.

Flood, Limestone

When
February 20, 12:53 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where
Limestone County, 0.89 mi SE of Lawngate to 0.75 mi SSE of Lawngate
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.710, -87.070

Cowford Road was reported impassable due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 20, 7:28 AM CST to 2:00 PM CST
Where
Morgan County, 1.84 mi WSW of Basham to 1.53 mi WSW of Basham
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.510, -87.050

Mud Tavern Road flooding over the road West of Chapel Hill Road. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 8:22 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 0.69 mi S of Powell to 0.74 mi S of Powell
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.960, -87.230

CR 522 was closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 8:30 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.79 mi NW of Arkdell
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.990, -87.440

CR 462 was closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Jackson

When
February 20, 8:45 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where
Jackson County, 1.14 mi E of Pikeville to 2.35 mi ESE of Pikeville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.750, -86.010

CR 31 closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Jackson

When
February 20, 8:45 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where
Jackson County, 0.57 mi E of Tupelo to 1.33 mi S of Tupelo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.750, -86.070

County Road 21 is closed due to flooding.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 9:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 2.15 mi SSE of Anderson to 2 mi S of Anderson
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.890, -87.260

CR 534 was closed in the Anderson area. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 9:07 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 2.19 mi NE of Lexington to 2.19 mi WNW of Grassy
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.990, -87.340

CR 492 was closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Colbert

When
February 20, 9:19 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where
Colbert County, 1.96 mi N of Section to 0.56 mi NNW of Section
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.728, -87.470

Fennel Road and 6th Street closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 9:35 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.13 mi E of Johnson Xrds to 1.84 mi NW of Johnson Xrds
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.970, -87.730

Numerous CR closed North of CR 139 and CR 11 up to the Alabama/Tennessee State Line. This included CR 7.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 9:49 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 0.57 mi E of Florence to 0.99 mi NE of Florence
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.800, -87.660

Commerce Street between Huntsville Road and Veterans Road is closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 9:53 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.13 mi E of Whitehead to 0.64 mi E of Whitehead
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.880, -87.300

CR 96 was closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 10:49 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 0.89 mi SE of Petersville to 0.74 mi SE of Petersville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.840, -87.670

One person being rescued from vehicle driven into standing water near Elks Lodge on Highway 17.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 20, 10:49 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.33 mi ESE of Zip City to 1.16 mi WNW of Blackburn
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.940, -87.650

A person being escorted from a vehicle stalled in flooding on Rocky Ford Lane in Zip City.

Flood, Franklin

When
February 21, 4:03 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where
Franklin County, 0.9 mi SE of Reedtown to 0.83 mi SSE of Reedtown
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
34.490, -87.740

Washington Avenue closed at Town Branch.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 21, 4:06 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where
Morgan County, 0.9 mi SE of Flint City to 1.34 mi SSE of Flint City
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.510, -86.960

Red Bank Road closed due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lawrence

When
February 21, 5:06 PM CST to February 22, 1:00 AM CST
Where
Lawrence County, 3.16 mi ESE of Mt Moriah to 3.05 mi ESE of Mt Moriah
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.530, -87.170

Water over the road at County Road 221 and County Road 317, off of Al Hwy 24.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 21, 5:08 PM CST to February 22, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 1.49 mi SSW of Flint City to 1.12 mi NNE of Oak Ridge
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.500, -86.980

Norris Mill Road has water flowing across it at Flint Creek. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Jackson

When
February 21, 7:05 PM CST to February 22, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Jackson County, 2.15 mi NNW of Larkinsville to 1.77 mi ESE of Wininger
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.710, -86.140

A portion of County Road 17 north of Larkinsville sunk about 4 inches and a portion of County Road 189 sunk 6-8 inches.

Flood, Marshall

When
February 21, 8:40 PM CST to February 22, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Marshall County, 0.9 mi NW of Rabbit Town to 0.89 mi ESE of Mountainview
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.290, -86.280

Red Barn Road between Hwy 205 and Old Solitude Road was closed due to water of an unknown depth over the road.

Flood, Colbert

When
February 22, 4:00 AM CST to 11:00 AM CST
Where
Colbert County, 0.57 mi W of Nitrate City to 0.59 mi WNW of Nitrate City
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.750, -87.560

Some residents evacuated from houses on Marthaler Lane due to flooding. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 22, 4:00 AM CST to 11:00 AM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.33 mi ENE of Zip City to 0.54 mi SSE of Zip City
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.960, -87.650

County Road 8 near Indian Camp Creek and County 142 is closed due to water over the road. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 22, 4:00 AM CST to 11:00 AM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 3.4 mi E of Pritton to 2.29 mi ESE of Pritton
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.980, -87.560

County Road 8 east of Shoal Creek is closed with water over the road. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Madison

When
February 22, 7:00 AM CST to 2:00 PM CST
Where
Madison County, 1.33 mi WSW of Redstone Aaf to 0.88 mi WSW of Redstone Aaf
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
34.670, -86.720

Zierdt Road closed just south of Edgewater Drive due to flooding. Flooding was likely worsened by beaver dams that blocked drainage from Lady Anne Lake under the road to the east side of Zierdt.

Flood, Madison

When
February 22, 7:06 AM CST to 2:00 PM CST
Where
Madison County, 1.9 mi WNW of Nebo to 1.13 mi W of Nebo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.776, -86.803

Flooding occurring near Sanderson and Capshaw Roads. Several inches to a foot of water is flowing over the road.

Flood, Colbert

When
February 22, 9:45 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where
Colbert County, 3.98 mi W of Colbert Hgts to 1.22 mi NNW of Crooked Oak
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.670, -87.770

Numerous roads are closed across Colbert County.

Flood, Colbert

When
February 22, 9:45 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where
Colbert County, 0.89 mi NW of Hobgood Siding to 1.01 mi ESE of Norala Jct
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.730, -87.640

Some residents evacuated in Nathan Estates subdivision in Muscle Shoals. Water was not entering any houses at that time. Water depth of 1 to 2 feet standing or slowly flowing occurring in that area at the moment. A retention pond backed up and a pump failed, flooding the residential area.

Flood, Colbert

When
February 22, 12:10 PM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where
Colbert County, 1.49 mi SSE of Hobgood Siding to 1.64 mi S of Hobgood Siding
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
34.700, -87.620

Large fields flooded.

Flood, Dekalb

When
February 22, 3:20 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where
Dekalb County, 0.9 mi NW of River Park to 1.21 mi NNW of River Park
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.510, -85.630

Wades Gap Road at County Road 604 closed until further notice due to damage.

Flood, Dekalb

When
February 22, 5:29 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where
Dekalb County, 1.79 mi SE of Valley Head to 1.55 mi SE of Valley Head
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.550, -85.610

Tutwiler Gap Road closed at County Road 117.

Flood, Cullman

When
February 22, 7:00 PM CST to February 23, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Cullman County, 2.15 mi SSE of Arkadelphia to 2.34 mi SSE of Arkadelphia
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.870, -86.960

Portions of County Road 5 are damaged.

Flood, Madison

When
February 23, 2:00 AM CST to February 24, 10:00 AM CST
Where
Madison County, 0.13 mi ESE of Brownsboro to 0.18 mi E of Brownsboro
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.749, -86.448

Flint River at Brownsboro crested at 22.12 feet, causing widespread flooding along the river. Widespread issues were noted all the way to where the river spills into the TN River, causing flooding issues in Owens Cross Roads, well south of the gage.

Flood, Jackson

When
February 23, 1:30 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where
Jackson County, 0.89 mi NE of Bryant to 3.19 mi E of Bryant
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.940, -85.660

CR 93 in the Bryant area is structural damage sinking 6 to 8 inches due to excessive rainfall. Damage also round of County Road 189, County Road 17, Cumberland Mountain Road, and County Road 38.

Flood, Jackson

When
February 23, 4:28 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where
Jackson County, Hollytree to 0.25 mi SSE of Hollytree
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.800, -86.250

Standing water over AL Hwy 65 N between mile marker 11 and 12 in Holly Tree, AL.

Flood, Lawrence

When
February 23, 5:56 PM CST to February 24, 1:00 AM CST
Where
Lawrence County, 0.89 mi NW of Town Creek to 0.82 mi W of Town Creek
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.690, -87.410

Corrects previous flood report from 1N Town Creek. AL 101 North of Town Creek closed due to high water.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 23, 5:56 PM CST to February 24, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 0.9 mi NW of Lacon to 0.85 mi NW of Lacon
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.340, -86.910

Road damage on Hwy 31 on Brindlee Mountain. Road is sliding/creeping downhill.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 23, 5:56 PM CST to February 24, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 1.49 mi NNW of Morgan City to 2.21 mi E of Morgan City
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.490, -86.580

Road damage on Hwy 231 on Brindlee Mountain. Road is sliding/creeping downhill.

Flash Flood, Colbert

When
February 23, 6:18 PM CST to February 24, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Colbert County, 1.14 mi E of Sheffield to 1.21 mi E of Sheffield
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.770, -87.680

Flood rescues underway in Sheffield with water in homes along Oakwood Blvd. Report relayed via social media.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 23, 6:23 PM CST to February 24, 1:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 1.03 mi ESE of Fairview to 0.44 mi E of Fairview
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.576, -86.932

Corrects previous flood report from 1E Decatur. Point Mallard Campground closed due to the road flooding between Cherokee Lane and Apache Lane. Tennessee River at Decatur flooding.

Flash Flood, Morgan

When
February 23, 6:31 PM CST to February 24, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 1.14 mi W of Hartselle Arpt to 1.15 mi W of Hartselle Arpt
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.400, -86.950

Moving water over Huckaby Bridge Road in Falkville, AL. Unknown depth. Report relayed via social media.

Flood, Limestone

When
February 23, 6:41 PM CST to February 24, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Limestone County, Luggtown to 0.74 mi NNW of Luggtown
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.950, -87.070

Pope Road at Leggtown Road is impassable due to water over the road. Water depth unknown. Report relayed via social media.

Flood, Lauderdale

When
February 23, 6:50 PM CST to February 24, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Lauderdale County, 1.49 mi SSW of Florence to 1.14 mi SW of Florence
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.780, -87.680

Significant flooding over McFarland Park beneath the Oneil Bridge. Tennessee River crested at Florence at 28.99 feet on 2/24/2019. Report relayed via social media and value provided via AHPS page.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 23, 7:09 PM CST to February 24, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 0.9 mi NW of Hartselle to 1.28 mi NNE of Hartselle
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.440, -86.940

Downtown Hartselle and side streets covered in floodwaters. Water depth unknown.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 23, 7:20 PM CST to February 24, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 0.69 mi S of Decatur to 0.61 mi S of Decatur
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.610, -86.980

Church Street and east of 6th Avenue flooded in Decatur. Several other streets locally flooding, but water depth unknown at this time.

Flood, Madison

When
February 23, 8:36 PM CST to February 24, 4:00 AM CST
Where
Madison County, 3.64 mi SSW of Mt Leventov to 3.17 mi SSW of Mt Leventov
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.820, -86.640

Three feet of water at Pulaski Pike at Bob Wade Lane. Road flooded and impassable.

Flood, Dekalb

When
February 23, 9:00 PM CST to February 24, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Dekalb County, 0.9 mi SW of Henagar to 1.58 mi E of Henagar
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.460, -85.790

CR 835 is closed due to floodwaters. Water depth unknown at this time.

Flood, Lawrence

When
February 23, 10:08 PM CST to February 24, 5:00 AM CST
Where
Lawrence County, 0.89 mi NW of Town Creek to 0.75 mi W of Town Creek
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.690, -87.410

AL Hwy 101 north of Town Creek closed due to high water.

Flood, Morgan

When
February 23, 10:20 PM CST to February 24, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Morgan County, 0.57 mi E of Oakworth to 0.86 mi NE of Oakworth
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.570, -86.970

Country Club Road SE between Brookmeade SE and Fairway SW are closed due to water of an unknown depth over the road.

Flood, Madison

When
February 24, 3:00 AM CST to February 25, 7:00 AM CST
Where
Madison County, 0.05 mi SE of Whitesburg to 1.23 mi SSW of Whitesburg
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.580, -86.569

Tennessee River at Whitesburg crested at 22.9 feet, causing widespread flooding at Ditto Landing and all along the river from where the Flint River spills into the TN. Thousands of acres flooded along the river, and numerous tributaries backed up due to flooding on the TN River inhibiting the drainage of floodwaters.

Flood, Marshall

When
February 24, 6:00 AM CST to February 25, 2:00 PM CST
Where
Marshall County, 61.85 mi ESE of Midway to 61.84 mi ESE of Midway
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.422, -86.409

Tennessee River at Guntersville Dam crested at 38.67 feet, coming within a few inches of reaching the top of the spill gates.

Flood, Colbert

When
February 24, 6:49 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where
Colbert County, 1.14 mi E of Sheffield to 1.31 mi NNW of Muscle Shoals
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
34.770, -87.680

At least 3 to 5 feet of water over the road near the intersection of Oakwood Blvd and N Jackson Hwy.

What these are

Flood
Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Alabama in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Alabama, February 2019

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 811381, 811383, 811384, 811385, 811318, 811386, 811388, 811390, 811394, 811395, 811396, 811398, 811400, 811401, 811402, 811403, 811404, 811405, 811406, 811407, 811408, 811409, 811410, 811542, 811543, 811544, 811545, 811546, 811547, 811548, 811549, 811558, 811559, 811560, 811562, 811565, 811566, 811567, 811568, 811569, and more.