HUNTSVILLE — Francine has weakened to a tropical depression and will bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding to North Alabama as it tracks northward today.
Total rainfall amounts are forecast to be 3-7 inches with a medium chance of locally higher amounts up to 7-10 inches, according to the National Weather Service Huntsville office. The potential for flash flooding has increased, especially tonight into Friday, and localized flooding concerns may linger into Saturday.
There is a low chance of the remnants of Francine producing a tornado or two this afternoon through Friday afternoon, the forecasters said.
“A couple tropical rain bands will move over us,” the office said this morning. “Areas that see these bands will receive widespread 3-7 inches of rain with localized totals up to 7-10 inches. Flash flooding will be a concern, especially in areas where tropical rain bands persist.
“If multiple tropical rain bands move over us, rainfall amounts will increase with localized totals over 10 inches and a higher threat for flash flooding with locally considerable impacts will evolve. Our tornado threat will also increase.”
The weather service has also issued a wind advisory for all of North Alabama and southern middle Tennessee from 7 a.m. today through 7 a.m. Friday.
“Gusty, non-thunderstorm winds will continue through early Friday afternoon,” the office said. “Sustained winds around 20-25 mph with gusts near 35-40 mph are forecast.”
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