Tropical Storm Watch Issued for St. Clair County: Prepare for Winds, Flooding

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for St. Clair County, including Pell City and Moody, by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham, effective immediately. This watch was issued today, October 8, at 4:07 PM CDT and expires at 12:15 AM UTC on October 9.

Residents should act now to complete preparations for hazardous winds. Peak wind gusts are forecast between 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. There is a potential for winds ranging from 39 to 57 mph. Prepare for limited wind damage, including potential harm to porches, awnings, carports, and unanchored mobile homes. Large tree limbs may break, and some trees could be snapped or uprooted. Scattered power and communications outages are possible.

A Flood Watch is also in effect. Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain, with 1-3 inches of rainfall expected, and locally higher amounts possible. Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries could quickly become swollen, and small streams, creeks, and ditches may overflow. Driving conditions could become hazardous with some road and bridge closures.

The NWS indicates the situation is unfavorable for tornadoes, and none are expected. However, showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. For more information, visit ready.gov/hurricanes.