The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Alabama – Coosa River at Weiss Dam affecting Cherokee, Calhoun, Coosa, Etowah, Shelby, St. Clair and Talladega counties; and the Coosa River at Logan Martin Dam, affecting Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Shelby, St. Clair and Talladega counties.

The heavy rainfall during the past several days is producing “rises” on the Coosa River – the Flood Warning is expected to be in effect to late Monday night.

As of 5:00 p.m. Thursday (February 21st) the stage was 565.9 feet and flood stage at 567 feet with minor flooding forecast.  The levels are expected to rise above flood stage by Saturday evening and continue to rise to near 567.1 feet early Sunday afternoon with the river falling below flood stage by Monday afternoon.

At 567 feet flooding of lakeside property occurs, affecting docks, boathouses and so on.

As we’ve mentioned, this type of weather system also affects travel.  Surface soil conditions are already saturated and much of the rainfall will run off quickly, filling all low lying areas, ditches, and creeks.  The local rivers and streams will also continue to rise due to excessive rainfall locally, and across upstream river basins.

Here at WEIS Radio we’ve measured a total of 7.26 inches of rain over the last six days.

Motorists should exercise caution during this type weather – watch for ponding, excessive run-off and water standing on the edge of the roadways.  Also be aware that debris may be on the roads from the fast-running water – that includes small to medium-sized rocks, tree limbs and even downed trees.  Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going safely.