Several clusters of showers and thunderstorms along and in advance of a strong cold front.  A few of the storms were strong, producing small hail and frequent lightning.  The main issue with these storms were intense rainfall rates in a short period of time on already near saturated soils.  Rainfall amounts of 2 to around 3.5 inches were reported in many of these locations, much of it falling within an hour's time.  Numerous reports of flash flooding occurred across Lauderdale, Colbert, Limestone, and Madison Counties.  The flash flooding occurred as ditches overflowed, in poor drainage areas, and at low water crossings.  A sinkhole occurred adjacent to the eastbound lane of Governor's Drive at California Street in Huntsville as a result of this and other recent heavy rainfalls that have softened the soils.

Flash Flood in LIMESTONE, ALABAMA
From 17-JAN-12 15:20:00 to 17-JAN-12 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOLLAND GIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding occurred on several roads including Bethel, Thach and McKee Roads in northeast Limestone County adjacent to northern Madison County.

Flash Flood in LIMESTONE, ALABAMA
From 17-JAN-12 14:19:00 to 17-JAN-12 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: O NEAL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding occurred along several points along and near Highway 99, including at the intersection of Tillman Road.

Flash Flood in COLBERT, ALABAMA
From 17-JAN-12 13:55:00 to 17-JAN-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: TUSCUMBIA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding was reported at North Jackson Highway at the Oakwood Cemetary in Sheffield, at the intersection of Avalon Avenue and Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals, and at the intersection of Cave Street and 1st Street in Tuscumbia.

Flash Flood in LAUDERDALE, ALABAMA
From 17-JAN-12 15:15:00 to 17-JAN-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROGERSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding occurred along County Road 26 along Neely Creek Branch.  Flash flooding also prompted the closure of Lindsey Road.

Flash Flood in MADISON, ALABAMA
From 17-JAN-12 15:20:00 to 17-JAN-12 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELKWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous roads were barricaded due to flash flooding as many ditches overflowed and small creeks flooded low water crossings.  A residence was flooded on Toney School Road. A water rescue of a stranded motorist took place along Nick Fitchard Road at 730 pm.
Roads and streets that experienced flash flooding included:  Ready Section, Carters Grove, Knowledge Drive, Wall Triana, Shady Grove, Bolden Hughey, Toney School, Doe Creek Lane, McKee, Kelly Cemetery, and Butter and Egg.

Flash Flood in LAUDERDALE, ALABAMA
From 17-JAN-12 13:34:00 to 17-JAN-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: KIMBROUGH XRDS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding up to one foot deep occurred at the intersection of County Roads 247 and 14.