Flood watches issued in south, central Alabama

Meteorologists said 3 to 5 inches of rain had fallen in the area by Monday afternoon and forecasters expect an additional 3 to 5 to fall into Tuesday morning. Forecasters say water from flooded creeks and other waterways is unlikely to recede for most of the week.

Numerous roads in southeast Alabama in Houston and Geneva counties were closed because of flooding, including Alabama 52 between Dothan and Webb. Rescue workers led a woman and her children to safety Monday morning when their van stalled in the flood waters.

The closures prompted some school systems in the region to close early for the day. Public schools in Houston, Henry and Geneva counties dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Monday.

Farther north, members of New Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Prattville spent Monday trying to remove several inches of water from their fellowship hall.

The storms arrived Sunday night. The National Weather Service is assessing whether damage to homes in St. Stephens in southwest Alabama was caused by high winds or a tornado.