Water Damage Restoration in Huntsville, AL
Huntsville by the numbers: 42 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 56 freezing nights a year, 5 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Alabama insurance help and costs.
Updated November 2, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Huntsville
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Huntsville Floods
Limestone and Madison counties logged flooding on 42 days from 2016 to 2025 (130 NOAA reports), February most often.
At the Madison 1.7 N gauge, December is the wettest month with 6.2 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 5.6 |
| February | 9 | 5.8 |
| March | 6 | 5.8 |
| April | 1 | 5.3 |
| May | 3 | 4.8 |
| June | 3 | 4.4 |
| July | 3 | 4.8 |
| August | 4 | 4.1 |
| September | 5 | 4.2 |
| October | 2 | 3.8 |
| November | 2 | 4.6 |
| December | 0 | 6.2 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Madison County | 33 | 107 |
| Limestone County | 17 | 23 |
Freezing Nights in Huntsville
Huntsville averages 56 nights a year at or below 32°F (Huntsville International Airport station). About 8 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 51 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in Limestone and Madison counties from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Huntsville
Limestone and Madison counties were named in 5 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- September 23, 2025: Flash flood (Madison County)Water completely across the road on Opp Reynolds Road, with road being barricaded. Depth of water estimated at 6 to 8 inches and rising.
- May 20, 2025: Hail, 2.75 inch hail (Madison County)Baseball sized hail was reported near Southwood Church along Carl T. Jones Drive.
- May 8, 2024: Tornado, EF3 (Limestone County)The tornado descended Melton Bluff in Lawrence County and crossed the Tennessee River into Limestone County, moving ashore at the Brigadoon neighborhood.
- April 1, 2023: Tornado, EF3 (Madison County)The tornado began west of Highway 431 and south of Elkwood Section Road where multiple trees were uprooted and several trees fell on homes.
- June 28, 2018: Thunderstorm wind, 100 mph gust (Madison County)Widespread tree damage was observed in the Killingsworth Cove area of eastern Madison county.
Federal disaster declarations
- September 26, 2024: Hurricane HeleneHurricane, FEMA EM-3618
- September 14, 2020: Hurricane SallyHurricane, FEMA EM-3545
- May 21, 2020: Severe Storms And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4546
- April 17, 2019: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4426
- September 11, 2017: Hurricane IrmaHurricane, FEMA EM-3389
Huntsville Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Huntsville (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 104,388 housing units, a median build year of 1985, 44% built before 1980, 31% before 1970, 58% owner occupied.
Alabama Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in Alabama go to the Alabama Department of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Huntsville flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Huntsville
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
More Alabama Cities
Other Alabama city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Huntsville?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 8 and the median last is March 24 at the Huntsville International Airport station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, EPA mold guide.