Cleburne County, AL — One person is dead and several others were rescued after intense flash flooding swept across parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida over the weekend, as a stalled cold front and Tropical Storm Dexter continue to trigger dayslong rounds of tropical downpours across the Southeast.
Floodwaters Kill One, Prompt Multiple Rescues
According to the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, one person was killed early Sunday when their vehicle was swept away by rising floodwaters near County Road 41. Emergency responders were dispatched twice within two hours that morning for water rescues involving stranded drivers.
- The first rescue took place around 4:44 a.m. on County Road 10, where a vehicle was overtaken but the occupant was safely pulled out.
- The second incident, at 6:20 a.m., ended tragically when one of two occupants in a submerged vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs.
“These incidents serve as a sobering reminder of just how powerful floodwaters can be,” said Fire Chief Patrick Nolen. “While we’re grateful that we were able to rescue several individuals, we urge everyone to take Flood Warnings seriously.”
Tropical Storm Dexter Fuels Southeast Soaking
The flooding is being driven in part by Tropical Storm Dexter, which formed off the U.S. East Coast, along with a stalled frontal boundary draped across the Southeast. This pattern is funneling deep tropical moisture into Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas — and there’s no clear exit path for the storm system.
It is reported that cities like Atlanta, Tallahassee, and Macon could see rainfall totals of 5–8 inches by Thursday, raising concerns for urban flooding and road washouts.
Conditions Remain Ripe for More Flash Flooding
While Dexter is expected to stay offshore, its broad circulation is helping drive continued downpours. Additionally, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a new area of low pressure near the Southeast coast that could develop into another tropical system this week.
Regardless of development, the forecast remains extremely wet, especially in central Georgia where the flash flood hotspot has emerged. Meanwhile, saturated soils across Alabama and Florida will heighten runoff risks in already-affected areas.
Safety Reminders from Authorities
As conditions remain volatile, emergency agencies across the Southeast are urging residents to:
- Never drive through flooded roadways, even if water appears shallow
- Stay updated on weather alerts through NOAA and local emergency services
- Keep emergency kits, food, water, and medications stocked
- Heed evacuation notices and seek higher ground if flooding threatens
Has flooding impacted your area or travel plans this week? Share your experience and local updates in the comments below at the BethelAdvocate.
