Localized Flooding of July 26, 2017

Localized Flooding (Jefferson County)
July 26, 2017

Overview

Satellite & Radar

Rainfall Totals

Upper Air

Pictures

Videos

Overview

Satellite data on the morning of July 26th, revealed a wedge of drier air across the E/NE counties and a N-S oriented convergence band near/along I-65. No obvious old outflow boundaries were noted, but enhancements in the cumulus field began fairly early within the convergence zone. It wasn't long before showers began to develop within this zone, especially along the ridges and higher elevations. Then, outflow boundary collisions provided additional focus for thunderstorm development.

The localized flooding in and around the Vestavia Hills and Hoover areas was the result of boundary collisions, very heavy rainfall, poor runoff/drainage in the urban areas, and flashy creeks. There were at least 3 different outflow boundaries that contributed to the thunderstorm development over the area...1) Northwestward-moving outflow from ridgetop convection along Jefferson/Shelby Co line, 2) Southward-moving outflow from dying shower near Adamsville, 3) Northward-moving outflow from collapsing storm near Indian Springs. Although there was movement with the storms over Vestavia Hills, the rainfall was very intense. Radar estimates showed upwards of 2 inches of rain in just one hour. Storm total rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches were noted. Significant flash flooding occurred near/along Hwy 31. At least a couple vehicles were swept downstream in the floodwaters. Much of the flooding was due to Patton Creek overflowing its banks. Thankfully, no injuries or deaths occurred.

Satellite & Radar


This satellite/radar combo loop from that morning clearly shows the convergence zone near/along I-65. You can see the first showers of the day develop within this zone, focused more within the higher elevations.	This loop of reflectivity (left) and velocity (right) shows the evolution of the heavy rain over the Vestavia Hills and Hoover areas. In the loop, you can see the different boundaries collide. During this time, heavy rainfall persists as additional development occurs.

Rainfall Totals

KBMX Upper Air Soundings


KBMX Sounding 26 July 7 AM	KBMX Sounding 26 July 7 PM

Flooding GIFs and Pictures


Vestavia Hills Relayed via @FoamGuys1	Behind Anthony's Car Wash in Vestavia Hills Courtesy of @DavisVonHagel	Vestavia Hills Courtesy of @WBRCnews

Highway 31 at Park South Plaza Courtesy of @WBRCnews	Deo Dara Drive and Hendrick Auto Mall in Hoover Courtesy of @JasonJDeLuca	Truck Swept Away into Patton Creek at Southland Drive in Hoover. The driver was rescued. Courtesy of Jonathan Hardison (@FOX6Hardison)

Flooding Videos

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