FORT PAYNE, Ala.--Tropical Storm Claudette moved inland and resulted in flash flood warnings to be issued for most of the northeast and central parts of Alabama, Saturday. A woman drowned Saturday night in Fort Payne, after the warning was issued.

     According to a press release from the Fort Payne Police Department,  Police Officers were in the area of the Mapco Station and Dunham’s Sporting Goods parking lots, at around 10 p.m. They were alerting sleeping transfer truck drivers to move their vehicles out of the area due to flooding. 

    Officers noticed a white passenger car in the water, against the bridge in the area behind the Mapco Station.  As the officers were attempting to rescue the driver out of the vehicle, the vehicle quickly submerged and was swept under the bridge.

    Searches continued throughout the night for the victim and her vehicle by several officers and the Fischer Swift Water Rescue Team. The deceased victim was located Sunday morning at approximately 8:30 am by the Fort Payne Fire Department and Fischer Swift Water Rescue Teams. 

    The victim was identified as 23 year old Makayla Danielle Ross of Rainsville.  After the flood waters receded, her vehicle was found on Monday at 8:00 am by Fort Payne Public Works. 

    Fort Payne Assistant Police Chief  Lee Traylor wanted to thank everyone involved for their recovery efforts, and his appreciation to the Fort Payne Police Officers, Fort Payne Fire, and Rescue, Fischer Swift Water Rescue Teams, Dekalb County EMA, and Fort Payne Public Works.