A slow moving storm system caused a prolonged period of rainfall across a large part of Central Alabama.  Showers and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rain repeatedly developed and moved over the same areas, causing flash flooding, which transitioned into areal (and later, river) flooding.  The greatest storm total rainfall, which started late on March 9 and lasted until March 11, stretched across Shelby into Talladega County, where 6 to 8 inches of rain was reported.  Three to 6 inches of rainfall was common across other portions of Central Alabama, especially the northern half.

Flash Flood in SHELBY, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 04:28:00 to 10-MAR-10 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ACTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A period of heavy rain caused Bishop Creek to come out of its banks, and the water came up to the bottom of a few vehicles in the area.  Flash flooding in the area later transitioned to long term areal flooding due to additional rainfall.

Flood in TALLADEGA, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 09:30:00 to 12-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHILDERSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

What began as flash flooding transitioned into widespread long term flooding across a large portion of Talladega County during the late morning of the 10th.  Dozens of roads were closed across the county due to high water, and several small bridges became washed out.  The initial problem area on the morning of the 10th was the city of Sylacauga, but as the heavy rainfall shifted northward in the afternoon, the cities of Talladega and eventually Munford also experienced flooding issues.  Other communities with reports of flooding included Childersburg, Winterboro, and Renfroe.

Flash Flood in TALLADEGA, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 07:45:00 to 10-MAR-10 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: KAHATCHEE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Six inches of water was flowing over McGowans Ferry Road near the Fayetteville community.

Flash Flood in SHELBY, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 21:00:00 to 10-MAR-10 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PELHAM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

After briefly letting up for a short time, another burst of heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in the city of Pelham.  Several people had to be rescued from flooded townhomes.

Hail in ELMORE, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 15:58:00 to 10-MAR-10 15:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: WETUMPKA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Flood in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 15:56:00 to 10-MAR-10 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ADVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

One foot of water was reported flowing over Deaver Walker Road, near the Locust Fork community.

Hail in ELMORE, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 16:10:00 to 10-MAR-10 16:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: BUTTS MILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in SUMTER, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 18:42:00 to 10-MAR-10 18:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: SILOAM
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Hail in SUMTER, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 18:50:00 to 10-MAR-10 18:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOCTUM HILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Flood in SHELBY, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 09:30:00 to 12-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELVIRA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

What began as flash flooding transitioned into widespread long term flooding across a large portion of Shelby County during the late morning of the 10th.  Dozens of roads were closed across the county due to high water, and as many as ten roads were still closed two days later. The hardest hit area was the western portion of the county, especially around the Helena, Pelham, and Alabaster areas, where more than 8 inches of rain fell during the 3 day period.  In Alabaster, several vehicles were overcome by high water, and the occupants briefly became trapped.  Other communities that experienced flooding included Montevallo, Columbiana, Shelby, and Wilsonville.

Hail in LOWNDES, ALABAMA
From 10-MAR-10 15:58:00 to 10-MAR-10 15:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAYNEVILLE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager