Alabaster, AL – Storms pelted central Alabama with heavy rains Wednesday, covering roads with water, prompting flash flood warnings and leaving thousands of people without electricity.
The National Weather Service said from 1 inch to 3 inches of rain fell overnight as strong thunderstorms crossed the state, and as much as 3 more inches of rain was possible during daylight hours.
Flash flooding covered several roads in Shelby County, and officials closed two roads that were covered with water. Forecasters issued a flood warning that covered central Alabama from the Mississippi to Georgia state lines.
Southwest Alabama was under a tornado watch.
The bad weather caused traffic accidents and scattered power outages. Alabama Power Co. said more than 4,600 customers were without power at the worst, mostly around metro Birmingham.
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