FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Flooding concerns Wednesday & Thursday

(WAFF) - Wednesday and Thursday are now First Alert Weather Days due to the possibility of dangerous flooding across the Tennessee Valley.

When will the storms arrive?

Arrival: After midnight Wednesday

Departure: Thursday afternoon

We've already seen heavy rain move through the Tennessee Valley overnight and more is on the way through the afternoon today. Rain totals as of 7 A.M. were already over 1 inch for parts of northern Alabama and Middle Tennessee. Throughout the day today, we will see some periodic breaks in the rain, but there will likely be scattered showers and storms throughout the day. Storms and heavier rain are expected to pick up during the mid-afternoon and into the evening commute. Heavy rain and storms are likely into the overnight. Signs are pointing to another potential break after midnight and through part of the early morning hours on Thursday, but that isn't the end.

Showers and storms will pick back up during the morning hours on Thursday as a cold front pushes into the Valley. The arrival of that front will likely be between 6 A.M. & 9 A.M. from west to east. This line of storms could bring some gusty wind. Rain will finally wrap up during the early afternoon on Thursday as the system starts to exit the southeast.

When this all wraps up, there is a strong possibility that we will have areas of 4 to 6 inches of rain. There should be a sharp cutoff for areas farther south in the viewing area. This would be along a line from Russellville to Cullman, into Albertville and southern parts of DeKalb County. In these areas, rainfall will likely stay between 1 to 3 inches, while to the north it is more likely to see 3 to 5 inches.

What are the main threats?

Flash flooding is possible by this afternoon as heavier rainfall moves back in. That risk of flash flooding will continue as we move into Thursday morning. River, stream, and creek flooding are expected to occur sometime Thursday through Saturday.

Our main threat over the next two days is the risk of flooding and flash flooding. Heavy rain will bring that risk through the middle of the day on Thursday. While we don't expect to see any severe storms over the next two days, we do have a chance to see some stronger storms Tuesday morning as the cold front moves through.

It will be very important to stay weather aware Wednesday and Thursday. We will have an update every half hour on air Wednesday and Thursday, with updates online and through the 48 First Alert weather app. We will also keep you updated on Facebook and Twitter. Count on receiving frequent push alerts to your smartphones throughout the event!

As always, our team will be with you during the entire weather event.

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