Flash Flood — Jefferson, Alabama

2021-06-19 · near Hopkins, Jefferson, Alabama

Event narrative

Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Depression Claudette produced widespread flooding across Jefferson County during the evening hours on June 19th and the early morning hours on June 20th. Many roads in the Birmingham metro area were flooded and impassable and several water rescues were performed from flooded vehicles. Storm total rainfall amounts were in the 3-5 inch range. Village Creek in Birmingham recorded its 4th highest stage on record at 14.22 feet. One fatality occurred when a man was washed away in flood waters near Pebble Creek Parkway and Highway 78.

Wider weather episode

Heavy rainfall and strong winds impacted much of Central Alabama June 19-20 as the Tropical Depression Claudette moved across the area. Significant flooding occurred along the I-20 corridor where storm total amounts were in the 3-6 inch range, with isolated amounts near 8 inches. Near Tuscaloosa, a private dam failed and the subsequent flooding washed out a water and sewer main at Nucor Corporation's steel plant. This in turn damaged the city's sewage system, prompting officials to issue water restrictions for 100,000 people. Flooding destroyed five homes and severely damaged thirty-eight in Northport and Tuscaloosa. Residential and infrastructure damage between the two cities reached $3.35 million. Two fatalities occurred in Tuscaloosa County when a large tree fell on a mobile home.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.4790, -87.0630)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 970469. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.