JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — As heavy rainfall continues across Jackson County, emergency officials are asking residents, first responders, and local officials to report flooding impacts from the rains to help emergency managers and meteorologists monitor conditions and improve public safety.

The Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) issued the request Sunday in coordination with the National Weather Service in Huntsville, urging the public to provide detailed information about flooding across the county.

According to Jackson County EMA, flood reports help emergency managers and National Weather Service forecasters verify impacts, improve warning accuracy, and maintain situational awareness during severe weather events.

Officials are asking residents who observe flooding to report:

• The exact location, including a road name, address, intersection, or GPS coordinates.
• The time the flooding occurred.
• The estimated depth of the water.
• Whether water is covering a roadway.
• If one lane, both lanes, or the entire roadway is impassable.
• Whether any vehicles have become stranded or required rescue.
• Any impacts to homes, businesses, or public buildings.
• Flooding along creeks, streams, or rivers, including the name of the waterway if known.
• Whether a roadway has been closed or barricaded.
• Photos or videos, but only if they can be obtained safely.

Emergency officials stressed that residents should never enter floodwaters to obtain photographs or measurements.

The National Weather Service also reiterated its long-standing “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” safety message, noting that more than half of all flood-related fatalities involve vehicles. Weather officials say as little as 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car, while 18 inches of water can sweep away larger vehicles.

Flash flooding along the Paint Rock River covers agricultural lands in western Jackson County along AL-65 Sunday afternoon. Other areas near Scottsboro, Hollywood, and Stevenson also experienced significant flooding.  | Photo: Daniel Harbin via Jackson Co. EMA

Officials warn motorists never to drive around barricades placed on flooded roads. Even after floodwaters recede, the roadway beneath may be damaged or unstable.

Anyone encountering a flooded roadway is encouraged to turn around and find an alternate route rather than attempting to drive through standing or moving water.

Jackson County EMA said public reports provide critical information that helps emergency managers, first responders, and meteorologists protect lives and property during flooding events.

Sunday’s heavy rainfall resulted in significant flash flooding across portions of Jackson County, particularly in Scottsboro, Stevenson, Hollywood, and surrounding communities. Reports from across the county indicated floodwaters inundated roads, entered homes and businesses, damaged private property, and impacted agricultural land. Emergency officials spent much of the day monitoring rising water and responding to flood-related incidents including two cave rescues involving cavers trapped by flash flood waters as multiple areas experienced rapidly changing conditions. Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and are encouraging residents to report flooding impacts to aid ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Residents can submit flood reports through Jackson County EMA reporting channels or by contacting the agency directly.