flash flooding

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is looking at solutions to the persistent problem of flooding in Jefferson County near downtown Birmingham.

WBMA-TV reports a three-year study will consider multiple options to ease the persistent flooding around Valley Creek, in areas including Bessemer, Hueytown and Brighton. Rescue crews recently had to remove people from their homes near the creek because of high water.

Flash floods in north Alabama trapped people in homes and vehicles yesterday, and forecasters say the threat could last through today.

Torrential rain from a cold front moving through the state caused water to quickly cover roads and low-lying areas near Birmingham. Video and photos showed homes surrounded by water and motorists trapped in cars and trucks.

A mobile home park was evacuated in Brighton because of rising water, and fire officials say at least two people were rescued in the city.

Tropical Storm Cindy made landfall early this morning, and effects from the storm are still being felt across much of the northern Gulf Coast including Alabama.

Storm-related conditions have already been blamed for one death in Alabama. A ten-year-old boy from Missouri on vacation with his family in Fort Morgan, Ala. was standing outside their condominium when he was struck and killed by a log carried by storm surge.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Alabama that is still in effect.