The National Weather Service is predicting a “long-term rain event” beginning on Thursday (December 27th) and running all the way into New Year’s Day (Tuesday, January 1st) – and according to Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers, that could lead to the potential for problems should the large amount of moisture expected combine with brisk winds, over that time period.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham is calling for four to six inches of rainfall, with gusty winds expected.  With already heavily saturated soil, and ditches and creeks full, that additional amount of rain will cause minor flooding especially in flood-prone, low-lying and poor-drainage areas.  Expect ponding and standing water on the roadways.

Sustained winds of 15-20 mph with gusts of up to 35 mph could be possible – causing trees to fall, in turn, possibly causing power outages.

Updates will be provided throughout this time.

Today

Mostly Sunny, with a high near 58. East wind around 5 mph.

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 43. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday

Showers. High near 56. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Friday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Friday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Saturday

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.

Saturday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday

A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 54.

Sunday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Monday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

New Year’s Day

A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 52.