Sep. 3—North Alabama faces a rainy week, and it has come at just the right time for area farmers.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, Wednesday and Thursday will present a continued chance for rain and potential thunderstorms. The highest rainfall totals will likely stick to the northwest in Lauderdale and Colbert counties, said meteorologist Huntir Cramer. Between Tuesday and Thursday, the NWS is projecting a total rainfall accumulation of 0.25 to 0.5 inches, unless heavier rainfall breaks out in specific areas.
Tuesday was expected to bring the most widespread rain, but Wednesday and Thursday may produce stronger storms, with a 20% to 30% chance, according to Cramer.
“Just keep in mind, if you see lightning or hear thunder, move indoors,” Cramer said. “Indoors is going to be the safest place to shelter from lightning, or in a hard-topped vehicle if you do not have access to indoors. Then, for gusty winds, shelter the same way as you would for a tornado. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building away from windows, if we end up issuing any severe warning (Wednesday) or Thursday.”
The rain comes through ahead of a cold front. Cramer said temperatures in the coming weekend will be in the low to mid 80s. Friday night and Saturday will once again have a low chance for rainfall.
A long period of rainy weather delayed some farmers from planting crops earlier this year. Moulton farmer Larry LouAllen, owner of LouAllen Farms, said this week’s rain is welcome after a dry stretch.
“A lot of people have fall crops planted, and (the rain) is going to help those a lot,” LouAllen said.
At this time, LouAllen Farms is picking cucumbers, squash and cantaloupe. Pumpkins will be ready in two to three weeks. LouAllen doesn’t anticipate this week’s rain affecting harvesting timelines.
Work halted for a day on the Alabama Department of Transportation’s resurfacing project on Alabama 24 from Beltline Road in Decatur to the Lawrence County line with Tuesday’s rain. The project began last week. Grayson Carter and Son Contracting will repave 5.5 miles in total.
ALDOT spokesman Seth Burkett said the milling portion of the project won’t be as affected as the paving portion could be by rain. Looking to Wednesday and Thursday, he said the lower chances of rain make it difficult to predict if the contractor will be able to work or not.
“Those days, it could affect work, or it might not,” Burkett said. “It’s going to be a day-to-day call whether they’re out there working.”
The project should be completed this fall. Burkett explained that ALDOT takes potential inclement weather into consideration when determining these completion dates.
The recent dry weather has allowed ALDOT to make considerable progress on projects, whereas a more rainy time of the year usually sees more delays. The Interstate 565 widening project in Madison could be more affected by rain, as it includes more dirt work.
— GraciAnn.Goodin@DecaturDaily.com or 256-340-2437