CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ala. (Atlanta News First) - One person was confirmed dead after rescuers could not find him in floodwaters in east Alabama Sunday morning, according to officials.

The Turkey Heaven Volunteer Fire Department in Cleburne County, Alabama were called to two rescue missions within a two-hour span to help people who were trying to cross flooded roads in their vehicles.

The first rescue operation happened around 4:45 a.m., with car being overtaken by water and moved off the road while trying to cross County Road 10 near County Road 635. Only one person was involved in the incident and was successfully rescued.

According to officials, the second mission took place just before 6:30 a.m. in the 3000 block of County Road 41, where floodwaters moved a car off the road. Two people were in the car during the incident.

One of the occupants were rescued “without major injures,” the volunteer fire department said. However, the second person wasn’t able to be found and was pronounced dead on scene by the county coroner.

Since the overnight hours, most county roads in the area are considered impassable due to flooding. A Flood Warning was issued for Cleburne County just before 10 a.m., after a Flash Flood Warning expired short time before.

“Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the family of the young man who tragically lost his life as a result of this flooding,” Fire Chief Patrick Nolen said. “This loss has deeply affected all of us, and we stand with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

A number of roads were closed as streams rose due to the large amount of rainfall. According to the National Weather Service, the Cleburne County Emergency Management Agency reported multiple impacts across the southern part of the county, with at least one wash out at County Road 18 - 1.5 miles west of County Road 45.

Below are the roadways that are considered impassable by the county:

• County Road 10 at County Road 63
• County Road 10 at County Road 25
• County Road 41
• County Road 75
• County Road 640 at County Road 656
• County Road 635
• County Road 633
• County Road 36 at County Road 53
• County Road 49 (River Bridge Abernathy area)
• County Road 49 at County Road 48

NWS is reporting that between five to seven inches of rain has already fallen in the area, with an added one to two inches expected to come.

“These incidents serve as a sobering reminder of just how powerful floodwaters can be,” Nolan said. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and while we’re grateful that we were able to safely rescue the individuals involved, we urge everyone to take flood warnings seriously.”

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

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