The South Sumter area has been impacted by large amounts of rain brought by Tropical Storm Lee.  The area suffered very only a few downed trees and some missing shingles but Lee has certainly busted the drought that was holding much of Alabama in its grips.  Here is a look at the radar estimated rainfall that has impacted the area.  This information has been confirmed by reports from Siloam Fire units indicating that around eight inches of rain has fallen in the area. 

The South Sumter area remains under a tornado watch until 0700 in the morning and the worst of the weather being churned up by tropical depression Lee is only a county or two west of the area.  The rainfall has begun to increase in intensity and should continue to do so throughout the overnight hours and into tomorrow.  While the areas is in need of rain, too much rain in one period of time will give us some trouble.  Here is a currently look at Lee and a current look at rainfall accumulations early this morning.

Current location and forecast track of Lee.

Radar estimated rainfall for the storm period.  This graphic will most likely get a lot more colorful in coming hours.

The 1300 report on Lee indicates the following:

SUMMARY OF 100 PM CDT…1800 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————-
LOCATION…29.3N 91.8W
ABOUT 45 MI…75 KM SW OF MORGAN CITY LOUISIANA
ABOUT 65 MI…100 KM S OF LAFAYETTE LOUISIANA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…60 MPH…95 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…STATIONARY
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…991 MB…29.26 INCHES

Some slight increase in strength may occur before the system crosses the shore.  Radar continues to indicate a large shield of rain moving into the southern portions of Alabama and Mississippi.  The radar also indicates several tornado warnings over the south Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana area.   There is a risk of tornadoes with all land-falling systems and there is also the danger of some tree damage throughout the area due to the winds that will be associated with Lee.  However, the main threat with this system is the large amount of rain that will be dropped over the area.  Here are the current graphics related to Lee.

Current NHC product on Lee.

A combined image of radar data and forecast models.  The official track brings the remnants of Lee directly through the South Sumter area.

The rain totals are beginning to climb.  The HPC has maintained a forecast like this for several days.

Tropical Depression 13 is active in the Gulf of Mexico and is likely to become a tropical storm before making landfall.  The official NHC intensity forecast keeps what could become Tropical Storm Lee at tropical storm strength before making landfall on the North Central Gulf Coast.  While there could be some minor tree damage in the area due to the winds associated with this storm it is certain that the main threat will be heavy rain.  A weak tropical system should ease the drought conditions for most of Alabama and the rest of the southeast.  The only problem with this system could come from slow forward speed and interaction with other weather features in the area.  The area is slated to receive around five to nine inches of rain if the current forecast verifies.  Here are the current forecast images and positions of the storm. 

Current NHC product.

 0600 Model output from the GFS.  It depicts the center of circulation over west Alabama Monday Afternoon.

 Expected rainfall for the area for the next five days.