Flooding, Hurricanes, and Heavy Rain in South Alabama: What Every Homeowner Should Know

After witnessing what happened in the Appalachian Mountains just a few years back, we now know that most of the South sits somewhere in the damage pathway of hurricanes and tropical storms. 

But here's the thing...

It doesn't take a named storm to drop enough water to damage your property or your community.

Flooding can occur anywhere that it rains, and it's important that you understand where you live and how to prepare for any place you're considering moving to.

And we haven't even touched on what happens when high winds meet soggy ground.

Don't worry — we're going to give you some resources in this blog to help you better understand your exact property location and how wind and rain could affect your home during any storm event.

Slow Storms Can Be Some of the Most Dangerous

Even a storm with relatively low wind speeds can create significant flood damage if it moves slowly. So if you're pumped that the next storm doesn't have high winds predicted, please take note of the following information. 

The slower a storm moves, the more rain an area receives.

A slow-moving storm can:

• Weaken tree root systems

• Cause sewer systems to overflow

• Cause grinder pumps to malfunction

• Short-circuit underground power lines

• Saturate soil enough for large trees to topple over

Sometimes the rain causes more damage than the wind.

Flooding Is the Most Common and Costly Natural Disaster in America

One of the reasons we're passionate about educating homeowners about flooding is simple:

You are not always required to carry flood insurance, even if your property is capable of flooding.

Unfortunately, flood repairs can become expensive very quickly.

The easiest way to reduce out-of-pocket repair costs is knowing your risks before disaster strikes.

Check Your Flood Risk

Visit FEMA's flood map website and enter your address to better understand your flood risk and learn more about protecting your property with flood insurance.

Click Here for FEMA flood map 

If You're Moving to the South, Learn Your Roads Too

When moving to a new area, we recommend learning not only your property's flood risk but also your regular travel routes and their likelihood of flooding.

Many people moving to South Alabama have never experienced rain events like we get here.

Sometimes it feels like literal buckets of water are being thrown at your windshield while driving.

Low-lying areas, roads near creeks, and farmland can disappear under water surprisingly fast.

As we like to say:

It's better to just not go than risk it for a biscuit.

Turn around. Wait it out. The destination will still be there tomorrow. Hopefully..

Your Landscaping Choices Matter More Than You Think

When improving your property, we encourage homeowners to use as much pervious ground cover as possible.

If that's a new term for you, think:

• Concrete vs. pea gravel

• Asphalt vs. pavers

• Artificial turf vs. natural landscaping

If water can penetrate the surface, the earth can absorb it.

If it can't...

Well, that water has to go somewhere.

Certain trees and plants can also absorb large amounts of water while making your property more beautiful.

Choosing plants that provide both beauty and stormwater benefits is a smart way to improve your property while supporting your community's drainage systems.

A Word About Flood Water

When severe flooding overwhelms sewer systems and grinder pumps go underwater, things we really don't want to talk about end up in the water.

Because of that, staying out of storm water whenever possible is a wise decision.

It only takes a small cut, scrape, or weakened immune system for harmful bacteria to enter the body.

Best not to chance it.

And yes...

This may include telling your kids:

"Noooooo, you cannot use the boogie boards in the backyard flood water."

If you absolutely must enter flood water, monitor your health carefully afterward and don't ignore signs of illness.

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How to Prepare Your Home for a Major Rain Event

Use Sandbags Before You Need Them

If your property has areas prone to flooding, use sandbags to divert water away from vulnerable doors and openings.

Pro tip:

Sandbags rip surprisingly easily.

We recommend placing them inside contractor trash bags for easier transportation, cleaner storage, and less mess afterward.

And remember:

Lift with your legs, not your back.

Keep a Weather Radio

Cell service and internet aren't guaranteed during major storms.

A battery-powered weather radio can keep you informed if conditions change quickly.

Check Your Windows

This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many windows don't seal well.

If you expect high winds and know your windows leak, painter's tape can help temporarily reduce water intrusion.

Just remember:

Remove it afterward and don't let it bake in the Southern sun unless you're looking for permanent gooey artwork on your windows.

Check Your Weather Stripping

Download our Virtue Home Advisory Annual Home Maintenance Calendar™ and make sure you've inspected the weather stripping around your doors and windows.

Pets seem to view weather stripping as a recreational activity.

Keeping it in good condition helps keep water out and lowers your cooling bills too.

Prepare for Power Outages

Keep the following on hand:

• Flashlights or lanterns

• Batteries. Batteries. BATTERIES. CHECK YOUR BATTERIES. Oh and Recycle them!

• Portable phone chargers (Charrrrge them ahead of time)

• Drinking water

• A method to boil water if necessary

If authorities issue a boil water notice following flooding, water should generally be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil before drinking unless local officials provide different instructions.

If you don't know what a rolling boil is, well... you may or may not find the Schitt's Creek episode where they have to "fold in the cheese" funny.

A rolling boil is when the water looks like it's dancing, arguing with itself, and trying to climb out of the pot all at the same time.

If you just rolled your eyes that I had to explain that, ask your kids what a rolling boil is just in case haha.

Don't ask me how I know...

If You Have a Grinder Pump...

We regret to inform you...

Your grinder pump runs on electricity.

If a storm threatens your power supply, prepare accordingly and understand the limitations of your plumbing system until power returns.

We'll let your imagination fill in the rest. And in case you forget to look up those limitations, we recommend a bucket and a trash liner. And probably a sense of humor. 

Remember to Have Some Fun Too

Any weather event that disrupts your plans can be frustrating.

Sometimes they're scary.

Sometimes they're dangerous.

But there's a reason hurricane parties became a thing along the Gulf Coast.

There is only so much we can control.

After you've made your preparations, built your emergency plan, and done everything you reasonably can do...

The only thing left may be to strap on some headlamps, bust out snacks that won't get weird in the humidity, and start a game of Uno.

Or whatever you're into.

Final Thoughts

We hope this helped you feel a little more prepared for the next major rain event than you were before reading it.

And I have to say this: This information could be missing life saving information and it is imperative that you educate yourself further on all the perils that come with rain events. Check with your local authorities for a complete list of ways to stay safe in your specific community and learn what resources are available to you pre and post storm.

Be sure to keep checking back as we continue sharing tips and tricks to survive summers in the South, protect your home, and enjoy this incredible part of the country to its fullest.

Until next time,

Adam & Chelsey
Virtue Home Advisory