Heavy rains swept through Cherokee County Thursday evening – but the brunt of the storm front affected Etowah and Blount counties among other locales where, in addition to severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado watches and tornado warnings were issued. 

Reports of high winds and even hail in area locations made for hazardous travel conditions across large parts of northeast and central Alabama for an extended period of time.  Park Street in Centre was flooded due to the downpour and deemed impassable – an Alert for all those on the Gadsden State Community College campuses in Etowah and Calhoun counties to seek shelter was issued at 5:24 and 6:12pm respectively, with an “All Clear” being sent at 6:58pm.

The WEIS Radio Newsroom was fully staffed during that entire time – providing up to the minute reports on the heavy rains, high winds, watches and warnings – until the threat had passed locally.