By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – 6 am May 29, 2018. The center of Alberto was located just northwest of Clanton, north of Montgomery at 6 am and is moving north-northwestward at 12 mph. It will exit northwest Alabama by late afternoon or early evening. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph with one gust to 43 mph was reported in Montgomery between midnight and 6 am, which was close to the center of circulation.
For those that are located near where the center passes today, expect these higher wind speeds. But, overall, for areas over the northern half of the state, sustained winds will be 10-20 mph with gusts around 25 mph near and east of I65 and north of I85.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for much of the state except for the western and southwestern sections. Widespread 2-4 inches is forecast today into tomorrow north of a Demopolis – Camden – Troy – Auburn line. Closer to where the center of circulation passes, 4-6 inches are expected with isolated amounts near 8 inches possible.
Don’t drive into flooded roadways. It only takes about 18 inches of water for vehicles to lose contact with the road, and if the water is moving, you can easily be swept away.
Minor flooding is expected between Wednesday – Friday in southeast AL along the Pea, Choctawhatchee and Conecuh rivers, with minor flooding for Catoma Creek near Montgomery on Wednesday.
Finally, there is a low end risk of a couple of tornadoes in far eastern AL today.
