Flooding likely from heavy rain

Heavy rains that were expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon and continue into today (Thursday) have the potential to cause flooding with possible road closures that may affect Highway 41 in East Brewton near the civic center next to Piggly Wiggly.

Escambia County Emergency Management Director David Adams said the National Weather Service was predicting 3 to 5 inches of rain across the area and encourages people to stay tuned to local weather forecasts.

“Right now they are only predictions,” Adams said. “The rainfall could be more or it could be less.”

He did say the forecast from the River Forecast Center has Murder Creek in Brewton cresting a little more than 23 feet Friday morning.

“This will be very close if not over Highway 41,” Adams said.

Adams also warned motorists if they see water over a road to not attempt to drive through.

“You cannot determine the depth of the water or if the roadway or bridge may be damaged,” Adams said.

Flood stage on the Conecuh River is 27 feet and estimates are for the river to rise to 29 feet by Friday morning.

Adams said while Murder Creek is the only flood warning issued, he noted Burnt Creek flows into Murder Creek in Brewton and if Murder Creek is flooded that water has nowhere to go.

“I wouldn't be surprised to see Ann Street under the trestle in Brewton to be flooded,” he said.

He also said there's a possibility that Railroad Street in Flomaton could be under water sometime Friday.

In addition to river and creek flooding, Adams also said the area is under a flash flood watch and people should expect severe weather until late Thursday.

Although estimates are for 3 to 5 inches, forecasters said 6 to 8 inches could fall in isolated areas.