Heavy rain, flash flooding, wind gusts pose threats to local area

According to weather authorities, Hurricane Ida has weakened from a powerful Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour to a tropical storm.

Franklin County is part of the State of Emergency issued by Gov. Kay Ivey in light of the expected impact from Ida.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham and Huntsville issued a flash flood watch effective 1 p.m. Monday through 1 a.m. Wednesday, with expected rain amounts from 3-6 inches, possible wind gusts in the 30-45 miles per hour range and a marginal tornado risk from 10 a.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Local authorities including the Franklin County EMA have asked people to stay weather-aware for the next few days, to make sure to have a good source for weather information and warnings and to take the time now to prepare for how these upcoming weather conditions might affect the area.