Heavy Rains Cause Sewer Overflows, Flood Problems in Alabama

Heavy rains caused more than 430,000 of sewage overflows near Mobile, while another round of downpours prompted flash flood alerts in central Alabama.

In Prichard, just north of Mobile, health officials told residents to stay away from standing water that may contain raw sewage and wash their hands or any clothing that comes in contact with overflow.

Flash flood watches and warnings covered most of the northern third of the state, where torrential rain on Monday caused flooding south of Birmingham in Vestavia Hills. A utility truck was stuck in high water, and falling trees and power lines forced officials to close some roads.

Areas in central Alabama that already had received as much as 5 inches (12.70 centimeters) of rain could get another 2 inches (5.08 centimeters), the National Weather Service said. Isolated areas received 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) of rain through the weekend into Monday, forecasters said.

The rain threat will continue at least through Wednesday, the weather service said.