Water rescues underway in Birmingham as flash flooding hits Alabama

                             

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Water rescues are underway in Birmingham, Alabama, as heavy rain has sparked a flash flood emergency and water is rising in low-lying areas across the region.

 There are reports of water entering structures and vehicles, according to the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

This is after a day of heavy rainfall in which the area received 4-7 inches of rain within a few hours. 

The October average for Birmingham is 3.34 inches, meaning portions of the area received up to double the rainfall they normally receive in an entire month.

 High rainfall rates are expected with up to 3-6 inches more rain possible into the early morning hours Thursday. 

The Riverchase Galleria area in Birmingham, as well as Highway 119 and 31 in Pelham to the south, have been included in the areas where rescues are occurring and cars have been flooded. 

The flash flood emergency lasts through 1:15 a.m. local time