Alberto Update: Prepare for a rainy Memorial Day ‘back to work’ rush hour in Birmingham

A quick morning update about subtropical depression Alberto that has been moving northward all night since it made landfall yesterday. Good news, it will pretty much be a rain event, nothing serious. According to the National Weather Service Birmingham Office there is a Flash Flood Watch all day till 7:00pm.

Be careful driving during your Memorial Day ‘back to work’ Tuesday rush hour. The NWS Birmingham warns people not to drive through flooded roads.

Other than that, temps will be in the 70s today, so that is a nice respite before they climb into the 90s later this week.

For the latest on Alberto, here are links to the local weather forecasts:

WBRC Fox 6
WVTM NBC 13
ABC 33/40
WIAT CBS 42 

Be Prepared – helpful tips about flash floods

Alberto probably won’t be Birmingham’s first flash flood event this summer.  Below are some helpful tips from Allstate on what to do during a flash flooding event while you are in your car:

Estimate how deep the water is

As little as 6 inches of water can damage your car and lead to stalling. A foot of water may even cause your vehicle to float. If you think the water is more than 6 inches deep, don’t try to drive through it. Best to turn around and find another route.

Slow your speed

If you drive through water, slow down and take your time.

Watch for downed power lines

If you approach a water-ridden area where power lines are down, turn around.

Respect the barricades

If you’re approaching a road that’s barricaded, don’t attempt to go around the barricade and take the road anyway. There’s a good chance serious danger’s ahead.

Don’t wait out the water in your car

Because only a foot of water can make your car float and 2 feet can cause it to float away, your car’s not a safe place to hide. If your car stalls due to water or starts to float, get out, find higher ground, and use your phone to call 9-1-1.