BREAKING NEWS: Mobile Dam Failure

Flash flood emergencies have been declared for parts of the Gulf Coast region as thunderstorms with extremely heavy rainfall have dumped up to 18 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.

In addition, Gulf Coast beaches away from the worst flooding are bracing for the risk of dangerous rip currents throughout the weekend.

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The first flash flood emergency was declared by the National Weather Service for southern Mobile County, Ala., late Saturday morning.

Radar estimates indicate 12 to 18 inches of rain have fallen near Tillmans Corner, just southwest of Mobile. Reports indicate several water rescues have taken place in this area since late Saturday morning.

The Mobile airport recorded 5.74 inches by 2 p.m. Central time, establishing a new record for June 9 and becoming the fifth wettest June day in Mobile weather records, with half the day still remaining.

A dam failed on a 14-acre private lake in Mobile County, stranding residents in their homes. Several roads were reported underwater across Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The second flash flood emergency was issued early Saturday afternoon for Escambia County, Fla., including the Pensacola area. Pensacola International Airport recorded 10.99 inches of rain Saturday as of 2:29 p.m. local time, eclipsing Hurricane Opal's 10.45 inches on October 4, 1995, and becoming the fourth-wettest day on record.

The last time Pensacola officially received more rain in a single calendar day was March 3, 1979.

By early Saturday afternoon, water was entering the first floor of Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. Emergency management officials in Escambia County, Fla., are requesting residents to "stay home and not drive unless necessary."

"We're anticipating several more inches," said Cam Johnson of the Escambia County Emergency Management Agency. "I've lived in this area my whole life and I've seen roads and areas flooded that I've never seen flooded before."

Water was reported entering homes near Perdido Bay. Nearby Pensacola Naval Air Station recorded 11.97 inches of rain between midnight and 2 p.m. Saturday. Radar estimates indicated 14 to 18 inches of rainfall over the Perdido Key area.

The National Weather Service expanded the flash flood emergency to include southern Santa Rosa County, Fla., through 8 p.m. local time.