Flash Flood — Jefferson, Alabama

2022-03-16 · near Brownville, Jefferson, Alabama

Event narrative

A cluster of slow moving thunderstorms developed over the Birmingham metro area and produced flash flooding. Numerous roads were impassible and vehicles were flooded in the downtown area and near the University of Alabama-Birmingham campus. Flash flooding was also reported in the city of Homewood along Shades Creek and Oxmoor Road. One injury and one fatality due to flooding. Radar estimated rainfall amounts were in the 2-4 inch range.

Wider weather episode

An upper-level low pressure center moved eastward across Central Alabama on Wednesday, March 16th, bringing showers and thunderstorms to portions of the area. Early in the afternoon, slow-moving thunderstorms developed over the Birmingham metro area and produced very heavy rainfall. Water quickly covered several roads, making them impassable. Multiple water rescues were conducted, and there was one fatality. Radar estimated that 2 to 4 inches of rain fell over the Birmingham metro area. A severe storm also developed over Lee County in the early afternoon that produced large hail.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.3680, -86.9350)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1018314. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.