By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – 4 pm Saturday, June 19, 2021
At 4 pm, Claudette has weakened and is now a tropical depression in west Alabama. The system will continue to move northeast and into Georgia early Sunday morning. There have been multiple reports of flooding and damage across south Alabama, including the city of Brewton where multiple homes were destroyed with multiple injuries.
The highest rainfall totals through tonight will be generally east of I65, and a tornado threat will occur through at least 7 pm tonight near and south of I85 and east of I65. Although a couple of tornadoes may be possible after 7 pm, the overall threat will decrease with the loss of daytime heating.
In addition, a few wind gusts of up to 40 mph will occur through early Sunday morning within 50 miles of the center of Claudette’s circulation.
The good news is that drier air is now moving into the southwest sections of the state and will continue eastward through tonight. Although another 0.5-2 inches is possible west of I65, the precipitation will begin to become more scattered. An additional 1-4 inches is forecast east of I65 by Sunday morning.
Flash flooding is still possible through tonight. Combined with both a tornado threat as well as gusty winds from Claudette that could down trees/large branches onto roads, it is best to remain in a safe shelter and avoid traveling until sunrise Sunday.
After somewhat of a break Sunday, more rain is forecast for the state Monday – Tuesday with an additional 1-2 inches of total rainfall. Finally, a couple of severe storms with wind gusts of 40-60 mph are possible Monday north of I20.