Flash flooding a problem in Mobile and Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) - Heavy rains and flooding have left people stranded in houses and cars in the Florida Panhandle and along the Alabama coast, the latest areas of the country to be pummeled by a dayslong chain of severe weather. Escambia County spokesman Bill Pearson says rescue crews can't respond to some calls early Wednesday because of road flooding around Pensacola. He says some people have climbed into attics because of rising waters. The county is moving boats and jet skis from beaches to streets for rescues. National Weather Service meteorologist Phil Grigsby estimated early Wednesday that 15 to 20 inches of rain had fallen in Pensacola in the past 24 hours. At least 36 people have been killed in storms that started Sunday and spread from Oklahoma to North Carolina.