More storms loom this weekend in rain-soaked central Alabama
It's been a wet and wild few days around Montgomery and most of Alabama with thunderstorms and power outages, and people can expect much more bad weather over the holiday weekend.
Two to 5 inches of rain had fallen in some areas around Montgomery in the last two days, according to the National Weather Service. Standing water pooled in some city streets, including the Dalraida neighborhood, and some neighborhoods like Capitol Heights saw tree damage.
Storms continued Thursday, and NWS said there's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday after 1 p.m. That continues through the evening.
Saturday brings a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, diminishing to 20 percent overnight. That rises up to 60 percent for Sunday.
Monday's Juneteenth is going to be soggy as well. The chance of precipitation is 70 percent, with showers and thunderstorms likely. Rain continues through that night.
On Wednesday, the heavy storms caused 38,700 Alabama Power customers to be without service. Crews were out restoring power lines Wednesday as more storms were brewing. Outages were concentrated in the following areas:
Montgomery County: 18,700 customers
Dallas County: 8,100 customers
Lowndes County: 3,900 customers
Butler County: 3,500 customers
Wilcox County: 3,400 customers
Autauga County – 750 customers
Power safety tips
Alabama Power offered these safety tips for those near downed power lines:
Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines, always ssume power lines are energized.
Keep children and pets away from downed lines.
Stay clear of areas with fallen trees or limbs where downed lines may be hidden.
Exercise caution near chain link fences. Dangerous lines may touch the metal.
Avoid stepping in puddles and standing water after a storm as they may be touching hidden, downed power lines and be electrified.
DO NOT attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines. Call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726 or contact a local law enforcement agency if downed lines are spotted.
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: After a couple of soaking days, more storms ahead this weekend
