Could flooding happen in Alabama? Here's a look at the state's 5 most devastating floods

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4 days ago

Torrential flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas has killed at least 80 people and left dozens missing, including children and counselors from a Christian summer camp. The river surged more than 26 feet in under an hour early July 4, catching many by surprise as they slept.
Search efforts remain underway in Texas as of Monday morning. The National Weather Service had only forecasted a "slight" risk of flash flooding, and a more serious emergency warning wasn't issued until after 4 a.m.
While the deadly surge along Texas's Guadalupe River has shocked the nation, Alabama is no stranger to the devastating power of torrential floodings. The state has endured disasters that reshaped entire communities. A look back at Alabama's five worst floods reveals a sobering truth: These events are not rare, and they strike with little time to prepare.
Here are Alabama's five worst flooding events in history:
1929—The Elba Flood
Alabama's worst flood on record hit the town of Elba in March 1929, submerging the city under up to 18 feet of water. The Pea River swelled to nearly 44 feet, forcing thousands to seek refuge on rooftops, in attics and upper floors of high buildings. At least 100 people were killed, and the town was left in ruins. With roads impassable, aircraft dropped food and supplies to stranded residents.
1973—North Alabama Flood
In March 1973, relentless rain pounded Northern Alabama, triggering some of the worst flooding in the region. More than 10 inches fell in parts of the Tennessee Valley, pushing rivers like the Flint and Paint Rock well beyond their banks. The Flint River crested at a record 29.5 feet. Roads vanished under water, bridges washed out and homes flooded. Nearly every county in the region reported significant damage.
1979—Alabama/Mississippi/Georgia Floods
Back-to-back storms in March and April of 1979 dumped heavy rain across the southeast, triggering major flooding from Mississippi to Georgia. In Alabama, the Black Warrior River overflowed, swamping parts of the state. More than 6,000 people were forced to evacuate between Mississippi and Alabama. Four people died in Alabama. Tuscaloosa saw over 10 inches of rain downtown, while Birmingham recorded 8.68 inches in just 24 hours.
1990—The Elba Flood
In March 1990, heavy rains caused Whitewater Creek to overflow its banks, flooding the town of Elba with up to 10 feet of water. More than 300 people were forced to evacuate, and damage topped $10 million. In Brewton, floodgates were opened to relieve pressure on a dam, resulting in the inundation of parts of the city. Across the Coosa-Tallapoosa River, from Anniston to Montgomery, over 100 people were evacuated, with additional evacuations near Enterprise.
1994—Tropical Storm Alberto Flood
Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall near Destin, Fla., in July 1994, but its drift into Georgia and central Alabama brought days of relentless rain. Alberto unleashed widespread flooding along rivers such as the Pea, Conecuh, Tallapoosa, and Catoma Creek. Roads, bridges and draining systems were heavily damaged. Two people died in Geneva and Houston counties as flood waters surged across Alabama.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What are the worst floods in AL history? Here's what to know