HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Some schools and businesses in the Tennessee Valley are closing or changing their schedules due to the risk of severe weather as Tropical Storm Ida moves north.
Schools:
Albertville City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Arab City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Athens City Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Boaz City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Calhoun Community College: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Cullman City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Cullman County Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Colbert County Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Drake State Community and Technical College: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
DeKalb County Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Fort Payne City Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Florence City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Guntersville City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Heritage Christian Academy: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Huntsville City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Jackson County Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Lauderdale County Schools: No after-school activities on August 30. Schools closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Lawrence County Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31
Legacy Christian Academy: Closed on Tuesday, August 31
Limestone County Schools: 2-hour delay on August 31.
Lindsay Lane Christian Academy: Closed on August 31.
Madison City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Madison County Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Marshall County Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Morgan County Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Muscle Shoals City Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Northwest-Shoals Community College, Phil Campbell and Shoals campuses: Closed Tuesday, August 31.
Russellville City Schools: Closed Tuesday, August 31.
Scottsboro City Schools: Remote learning on Tuesday, August 31.
Sheffield City Schools: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Shoals Christian School: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
St. John Paul II Catholic High School: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Tuscumbia City Schools: Remote learning Tuesday, August 31.
Union Chapel Christian Academy: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Valley Fellowship Christian Academy: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Wallace State Community College: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
Other Closures:
Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce: 2-hour delay on Tuesday, August 31.
All fields at Dublin Park, Palmer Park: Closed on Tuesday, August 31.
RELATED: Remember, 'Turn around, don't drown' as Tennessee Valley prepares for Hurricane Ida impacts
It's important to be prepared and know the differences between the two more common watches and warnings associated with severe weather.
What's the difference between a "watch" and a "warning?
The difference between a watch and a warning is that one (watch) is the potential for a weather event to happen and the other (warning) means that the event is happening.
A Flash Flood Watch is very similar to a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch It means conditions are favorable for flooding and you should be prepared especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding.
A Flash Flood Warning means flooding is nearing or it is currently happening and immediate and appropriate action should be taken.
It's also important to remember that Flash Flooding is a rapid rise in water. It is defined by the NWS as "A rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six hours of the causative event."
Remember, it takes very little water to wash a person away. Only about 6.0 inches. Just 12 inches of water can wash a standard-size SUV or car away. 18 inches of water can wash larger vehicles such as full-size trucks and larger SUVs away.
There are things we can do in order to prepare ahead of the rain that we know could lead to flooding:
- Always just simply be aware of whether you live or work in an area that is prone to flooding.
- Always check with your insurance for proper coverage.
- Clear the storm drains around your home. While this may not technically be your job it can potentially save a lot of fuss.
- Always have electronic devices charged. This applies to any sort of dangerous weather.