Flash flood warning issued

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Big Rock Burn Scar

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 1 p.m. for the Big Rock burn scar in southeastern Jefferson County and south-central Madison County.

Thunderstorms moving into the area are producing heavy rain over the burn scar, and life-threatening flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. The warning is based on First Alert radar.

Rainfall rates of 0.2 to 0.4 inches in an hour or less are expected. While that amount may not sound like much, rain falling on a burn scar can run off quickly, sending water, mud, rocks, vegetation and other loose material downhill.

Debris flows are the major concern

Excessive rainfall over the Big Rock burn scar could trigger debris flows across roads and through drainage areas. These flows can move quickly and may contain large rocks, mud, vegetation and other material loosened by the burn.

Heise is among the locations that could experience flash flooding.

What you need to know

• Do not travel into or across flooded roads, creeks, streams or ditches.
• Roads and driveways may be washed away in places.
• Debris flows can cross roads with little warning.
• If you encounter floodwater, turn around and move to higher ground immediately.
• If you are near the burn scar, be prepared to move to safety as conditions change.

This is a life-threatening situation. Even after the heaviest rain passes, runoff and debris flows can continue moving through the burn scar and downstream drainage areas.

Jeff Roper, First Alert Weather