As the New Year unfolds, a swath of the southern United States is bracing for a deluge of rain, triggering widespread flood watches and warnings from California to Tennessee and Alabama. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a string of alerts and advisories, urging residents across multiple states to be vigilant as excessive rainfall threatens to inundate rivers, creeks, and low-lying communities.
At 12:08 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, the NWS released an updated flood watch for a broad stretch of Alabama, effective from 6 a.m. Friday through noon on Saturday. The advisory covers counties including Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston, Walker, Blount, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Marengo, Dallas, Autauga, and Elmore. According to the NWS, "Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible." The agency warns that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas." Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and "be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued."
Meanwhile, in East Tennessee, the forecast is equally sobering. After a dry spell, heavy rain is expected to drench Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Chattanooga on Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10. The NWS predicts an 80% chance that Knoxville will see more than 2 inches of rain on Friday, with a 15% chance of more than 4 inches. Chattanooga faces a similar 80% likelihood for over 2 inches, and a 20% chance for more than 4 inches. The storm is expected to bring a flash flooding risk for middle and southern East Tennessee, with at least a 15% chance of flash flooding in cities like Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Chattanooga. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Moulton, the threat is not due to particularly intense storms but rather to "prolonged 36- to 48-hour storms." Rain is set to begin during the day on January 9 and continue through January 10, with the heaviest downpours likely between Friday evening and overnight into Saturday morning. Rainfall estimates for the region are: Johnson City (1-2 inches), Knoxville (2-3 inches), Gatlinburg (2-3 inches), and Chattanooga (3-4 inches).
Over in California, Sonoma County experienced its own brush with flooding earlier this week. A flood warning was active for the area and set to expire at 9 p.m. on January 7, 2026. The NWS San Francisco office explained, "Flood waters continue to recede and are expected to fall below minor flood stage in the next hour or so. Please continue to heed remaining road closures." The warning served as a reminder that even as waters recede, hazards can linger, and residents should not ignore road closures or other safety advice.
With so many regions at risk, understanding the language of weather alerts is crucial. The NWS distinguishes between several types of advisories: a flash flood warning means a flash flood is imminent or occurring—residents in flood-prone areas should move to higher ground immediately. A flood warning signals that flooding is imminent or happening, while a flood advisory indicates conditions that could cause significant inconvenience or minor threats. A flood watch, meanwhile, means conditions are favorable for flooding, though it is not guaranteed to occur.
Safety remains the top priority, and the NWS has issued a series of recommendations for those living in or traveling through flood-prone regions. If you reside in a vulnerable area or are camping in low-lying terrain, seek higher ground at the first sign of trouble. If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly—lock your home and, if time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances to reduce the risk of electrical hazards. Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords, and evacuate immediately if you observe sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds. Never walk through floodwaters, as just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and 12 inches can carry away most vehicles. If trapped by rising water, seek the highest possible point and call 911 for help.
Driving during these storms presents its own hazards. The NWS offers practical tips: turn on your headlights—even during the day—to improve visibility. Stick to the middle lanes, as water tends to pool on the edges of roads. Avoid puddles and flooded areas, as driving into them can cause vehicles to hydroplane or lose control. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find another route. The NWS cautions, "As little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles." Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles like trucks or buses, as their spray can reduce visibility. Reduce your speed, especially during the first half-hour of rain when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane—when tires lose contact with the road and slide on a thin layer of water—ease off the accelerator, steer into the skid, and wait for the tires to reconnect with the road before gently straightening the wheels. Brake gently, especially if your vehicle lacks anti-lock brakes.
Hydroplaning is a particular risk during heavy rain. It occurs when water builds up in front of the tires faster than the vehicle's weight can push it out of the way, causing the car to ride on a thin layer of water and lose traction. The risk increases with higher speeds, deeper water, and worn tire treads. The NWS emphasizes the importance of preparing your vehicle for wet weather by checking tire tread and reducing speed when rain begins to fall.
As the rain continues to fall across the South and West, authorities urge everyone to stay informed, heed official warnings, and never underestimate the power of moving water. Whether in Alabama, Tennessee, or California, the message from the National Weather Service is clear: preparation and caution can save lives—and no one should take chances with floodwaters.
