By Associated Press - Monday, April 14, 2014

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - Heavy rain has led to flooding concerns in some areas with waterways that have been at or above flood stage since severe thunderstorms drenched most of Alabama last week.

The National Weather Service in Huntsville said Monday that storms and rain showers in the Tennessee Valley could become severe, with wind gusts up to 60 mph, large hail and heavy rain being the main threats.

The advisory included Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Madison, Limestone, DeKalb and Cullman counties.

The potential for severe weather also disrupted travel plans for Gov. Robert Bentley. His office canceled a scheduled trip Monday to Cullman to discuss the state’s efforts to recruit jobs to Alabama.

Flash flood watches had also been issued throughout much of the state and were expected to expire Tuesday. Flood warnings for several areas of western Alabama are in effect until Wednesday.

A stretch of the Tombigbee River in southwest Alabama hasn’t been below flood stage since heavy rain last week and is expected to cause minor flooding in parts of Demopolis, said Birmingham-based National Weather Service meteorologist Jessica Chace.

The river’s water level near Demopolis was at 68.5 feet Monday afternoon and was expected to crest at about 75.3 feet Wednesday evening, Chace said. She added that minor flooding is a possibility near a stretch of the Black Warrior River in central Alabama, and in some low lying and urban areas overnight.

Heavy rain last week caused flooding in several areas. Crews in rescue boats had to pull people from waterlogged homes and cars.

Residents of some mobile home parks had become stranded when surrounding low lying areas had become flooded, and flood water was up to 7 feet deep in parts of Pelham.

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