WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Heavy rains expected with Tropical Storm Ida

Heavy rains expected with Tropical Storm Ida

By Monica Rix – email
Posted by Dana Franks - email

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - North Alabama may not take a direct hit from Tropical Storm Ida, but she could cause some problems in some areas.

WAFF 48 Storm Team meteorologists, along with local forecasters at the National Weather Service, are keeping a close eye on Ida.

"We are expecting rainfall in our area as early as midnight or just after midnight," said Andy Kula with the National Weather Service.

The storm is weakening, but rain could be a problem. Experts said parts of north Alabama may get a few inches of rain overnight, just enough for Gov. Bob Riley to declare a state of emergency and for people to worry.

"It gets really scary," said Jennifer Cooper. "My kids are afraid of the weather. It's just really scary."

"After it's rained, this whole area here is covered for days and days," said Christy York.

But experts say it could be worse.

"If we would've had some colder air with this, man, that would've been bad news," Kula said. "We've had a couple cool shots, but it's pretty warm in the eastern United States right now."

For now, that just means lots of rain will be heading toward north Alabama. Forecasters say most of the rain will hit northeastern Alabama, but rural areas - especially those near rivers and creeks - could see lots of flooding.

Experts will continue to track Ida. In the meantime, residents may want to keep a weather radio handy.

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