BREAKING: Major flash flood and hail ends with a double rainbow in Birmingham

thumbnail IMG 3027 BREAKING: Major flash flood and hail ends with a double rainbow in Birmingham
Alexa, play Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

A heavy onset of rain around 3PM caused major flash flooding this afternoon, March 16th, which continues to impact most of the Birmingham area. Take a look at some of the areas that were impacted, and some tips on how to stay safe.

Major flooding across town

IMG 4237 BREAKING: Major flash flood and hail ends with a double rainbow in Birmingham
The flooding outside my apartment off of Lakeshore Pkwy. (Gabby Gervais/Bham Now)

Local roadways were taken over by intense flooding. Water has swept away cars and even impacted some businesses, like Pies and Pints. Video footage shows floodwaters raging outside the business, and overflowing into the restaurant.

There have already been several water rescues taking place across town.

66915425003 08CA9134 78B8 4E91 96BE 8BF3E10BE3F5 preview BREAKING: Major flash flood and hail ends with a double rainbow in Birmingham
UAB’s Alys Stephens Center earlier today. (Summer Guffey/Bham Now)

According to a statement from UAB, there are multiple road closures near campus, including: 

  • 14th Street South and 5th Avenue South
  • 22nd Street South and 7th Avenue South
  • 13th Street South and 11th Avenue South 
  • 14th Street South in front of UAB Police Department
Hail outside of my apartment earlier this afternoon. (Gabby Gervais/Bham Now)

Flood Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning in effect until 8:15PM for Jefferson County.

Use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary, otherwise stay off the roads until flood waters subside.

“Not all rescues are “swift” water rescues. Many flash flooding rescues occur in standing water. Please remember this when you’re traveling & encounter flooding. NEVER drive into floodwaters…rushing OR standing! Don’t put others’ lives in danger!”

National Weather Service, to WVTM13

After the rain comes the rainbow

Mere hours after the severe thunderstorm, it’s all sunny skies, and double rainbows are popping up across town.

Check out these photos from the Bham Now team:

thumbnail IMG 3027 BREAKING: Major flash flood and hail ends with a double rainbow in Birmingham
(Pat Byington/Bham Now)
IMG 0500 BREAKING: Major flash flood and hail ends with a double rainbow in Birmingham
(Sharron Swain/Bham Now)
thumbnail IMG 6426 BREAKING: Major flash flood and hail ends with a double rainbow in Birmingham
The sun sets on a day of tumultuous weather. (Cindy Martin/Bham Now)

Stay safe out there Birmingham! Keep an eye out for alerts from James Spann and the National Weather Service for further updates.

Gabby Gervais
Gabby Gervais
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