Huntsville, Alabama, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Limestone and Madison counties in Alabama are under severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings. Residents are experiencing wind gusts up to 40 mph, heavy rainfall, and severe lightning. Authorities advise avoiding outdoor activities and flooded roadways while seeking higher ground for safety.
Huntsville, Alabama – Severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings have been issued today for Limestone and Madison counties by the National Weather Service. The initial report, released at 8:03 a.m., warned residents of strong thunderstorms that are expected to affect the area until 8:45 a.m.
Residents across the impacted counties should prepare for wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Doppler radar has indicated strong thunderstorms currently located near Hazel Green, approximately 8 miles northwest of Meridianville, moving southeast at 25 mph. The fast winds accompanying the storm have the potential to knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
Key locations affected by these weather alerts include Northern Huntsville, Fayetteville, Moores Mill, Meridianville, Hazel Green, Huntland, Gurley, Alabama A and M University, New Market, and Harvest. Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors if they are outdoors at the time of the storms.
In addition to strong wind gusts, the thunderstorms have brought torrential rainfall which is likely to lead to localized flooding. Due to the rapid influx of rain, residents are advised not to drive through flooded roadways, as this poses a significant risk to their safety. The storms have also generated frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which can reach up to 10 miles away from the thunderstorm itself. In the United States, lightning strikes approximately 25 million times annually, with an average of 20 fatalities each year attributed to these incidents.
Heavy rain can significantly heighten the risk of flooding and create hazardous driving conditions. The National Weather Service recommends the following safety guidelines during thunderstorms and heavy rain:
- Beware of swollen waterways: avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches.
- Maintain safe driving distances: follow the two-second rule and allow extra distance in heavy rain.
- Reduce speed and drive cautiously to avoid skidding.
- Stick to middle lanes to minimize hydroplaning risks; outer lanes are prone to gathering water.
- Increase visibility by turning on headlights and being attentive to vehicles in blind spots.
- Be careful of slippery roads, particularly in the first half hour of rainfall due to oil and grime mixing with water.
- Maintain distance from large vehicles that can obscure visibility with spray.
- Be mindful of windshield wipers and pull over in low visibility conditions until the rain eases.
A flash flood warning was also issued at 11 a.m. for Limestone and Madison counties, in effect until 12:45 p.m. This warning alerts residents to ongoing flash flood conditions as a result of continued heavy rainfall. Doppler radar and rain gauges have reported between 2 to 4 inches of rain, with an additional 1 to 2 inches expected. Areas likely affected by flash floods include Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Fayetteville, Meridianville, and other low-lying regions.
Residents are cautioned to avoid flooded roads, as most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. A flash flood can cause sudden and intense inundation, developing rapidly even in areas that are not experiencing rainfall at that moment. Safety guidance recommends that individuals in flood-prone areas seek higher ground, adhere to evacuation orders, and avoid basements or submerged zones. The National Weather Service emphasizes that just 6 inches of swift-moving water can knock an individual off their feet, while 12 inches of fast-moving water can sweep away vehicles.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed about current weather conditions and to follow guidance from local authorities to ensure their safety during this severe weather event.
FAQ Section
What areas are under severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings?
Limestone and Madison counties in Alabama are under severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings.
When were the warnings issued?
The severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 8:03 a.m., and the flash flood warning at 11 a.m.
What should residents expect from the thunderstorms?
Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 40 mph, heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding, and frequent lightning strikes.
How much rainfall is expected?
Between 2 to 4 inches of rain have been reported, with an additional 1 to 2 inches expected.
What safety precautions should residents take?
Residents should seek shelter indoors, avoid flooded roadways, and follow safety guidelines such as increasing visibility while driving and being cautious of slippery roads.
What dangers do flash floods pose?
Flash floods can develop rapidly, leading to sudden and intense inundation. Just 6 inches of swift-moving water can knock someone off their feet, and vehicles can be swept away by 12 inches of fast-moving water.
Key Features of Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings
| Event | Time Issued | Impacted Areas | Wind Gusts | Expected Rainfall | Safety Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning | 8:03 a.m. | Limestone, Madison, Jackson counties | Up to 40 mph | 2-4 inches (additional 1-2 inches possible) | Avoid outdoor activities, seek shelter indoors |
| Flash Flood Warning | 11:00 a.m. | Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Fayetteville, Meridianville | N/A | Variable | Avoid flooded roadways, seek higher ground |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Prepare for Strong Thunderstorms in Limestone and Madison Counties
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- AL.com: Flash Flood Warning for Limestone and Madison Counties
- Google Search: Flash Flood Warning
- Alabama Weather Network: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- AL.com: Strong Thunderstorms in North Alabama
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorms Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
