A former Alabama police officer charged with murder for shooting an armed Black man in the man’s front yard during a dispute with a tow-truck driver shouldn’t be granted immunity before going to trial, the state’s attorney general says.
In a court brief filed late Tuesday, Attorney General Steve Marshall said a lower court was correct in ruling that former Decatur police officer Mac Marquette, 25, failed to show “a clear legal right to prosecutorial immunity” when he fatally shot Stephen Perkins on Sept. 29, 2023.
Shortly before 2 a.m., Marquette and two other officers accompanied the tow truck driver to repossess Perkins’ pickup truck at his home in Decatur. When Perkins emerged from his house pointing a gun at the truck driver, Marquette fired 18 bullets less than two seconds after the officers emerged from a concealed position and identified themselves as law enforcement, according to body camera footage.
The appeals court decision, and the fate of the trial, hinges on Alabama’s “ stand your ground ” law, which grants immunity from prosecution to anyone who uses deadly force as long as they reasonably believe they’re in danger and are somewhere they’re rightfully allowed to be. Alabama allows judges to determine if someone acted in self-defense before a case goes to trial.
After a Morgan County judge denied Marquette immunity in April, the ex-officer’s lawyers asked the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to overturn the decision. The appeals court said the circuit judge’s decision was a “gross abuse of discretion” because the judge didn’t give enough weight to Marquette’s assertion that he feared for his life after Perkins pointed his gun at the officer before he was shot.
If the appeals court rules against Marquette, he will go to trial in September.
The shooting drew regular protests in the north Alabama city, and the three officers were fired after personnel hearings. Marquette is white.
While the attorney general’s brief didn’t contest that Marquette feared for his life, he argued that witnesses in a pre-trial hearing failed to establish that Marquette was at Perkins’ house on legitimate police duty, and therefore “there remain open questions regarding whether he had a legal right” to be there.
One officer testified that the three officers were at Perkins’ house to investigate a misdemeanor menacing charge since Perkins had previously pulled a gun on the tow truck driver in an attempt to repossess Perkins’ truck earlier that night. The other officer testified that he was unaware of a menacing investigation, saying that he believed they were there to assist in “keeping the peace.”
Alabama law requires a court order for law enforcement to be involved in a vehicle repossession — which the officers didn’t have.
Testimony from a state agent who investigated the shooting, Jamie King, also conflicted with both officers’ accounts of the moments leading up to the shooting. King said that while Marquette may have feared for his life, the three officers were not positioned in an effective way to keep the peace or to investigate menacing since they were intentionally out of Perkins’ view until seconds before the shooting.
Marquette’s attorneys have argued that there is more than one way to conduct police operations.
In light of the ambiguity, Marshall’s office said deference should be given to the trial court’s position, and that a jury “alone is in the best position to determine the trustworthiness of testimony presented to it.”
All parties in the case are prohibited from speaking to the media.
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Alabama’s utility regulators can continue to hold closed-door meetings to determine price hikes, in an apparent departure from common practices in neighboring states, a circuit court judge ruled.
The decision on Monday rejected a lawsuit filed by Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of Energy Alabama, a nonprofit that advocates for renewable energy sources.
The watchdog group was denied access to two meetings in 2024 where the public service commission decided how Alabama Power — the state’s largest electricity provider — should adjust prices based on volatility in global fuel costs.
The lawsuit argued the denial flouts both local regulations and regional norms.
Montgomery circuit Judge Brooke Reid ruled against the environmental advocates in a one-page order after a hearing in June. She said the group’s rights had not been substantially violated. At the June hearing, Reid said the commission’s “interpretation of its own rules should be given deference.”
Christina Tidwell, a senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center, blasted Reid’s decision in a statement on Monday.
“While other Southern states have meaningful public engagement in fuel cost proceedings, Alabama Power customers will continue to be shut out of the process,” Tidwell wrote.
The Alabama Public Service Commission has rules that govern how Alabama Power can change electricity prices to offset increases in fuel costs, which tend to be volatile.
Those rules say that the public is entitled to hear evidence and participate in proceedings that adjust fuel costs to ensure these changes are “just and reasonable.”
The lawsuit said there have been only two public fuel cost hearings since the commission’s current rules were adopted in 1981.
By contrast, the Georgia Public Service Commission, which regulates a sister company of Alabama Power, has held at least 26 public formal fuel cost proceedings, according to the complaint.
The last public meeting in Alabama was called because the 2008 financial crisis caused fuel prices to skyrocket rapidly, according to attorneys for the state commission.
They argued that the commission hasn’t technically initiated a new proceeding since that change 16 years ago, even though rates have been adjusted over 15 times since then, so they are not compelled to invite public input.
Attorneys for the state also argued that the public has “plenty of opportunities for input” even without public meetings, because the commission publishes monthly reports on fuel prices online, and rate changes are subject to public appeal.
Alabama Power is a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, which reported $4.4 billion in profit in 2024, according to annual shareholder reports. Alabama Power serves about 1.5 million of the state’s roughly 5 million residents.
Most Alabama residents get electricity through municipal or cooperatively owned utilities.
In 2023, the average Alabama Power consumer was paying about $159 per month, compared to the statewide average of approximately $132 per month, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Alabama Power did not respond to an emailed request for comment on Wednesday afternoon inquiring about recent rates.
After the ruling, Energy Alabama’s executive director Daniel Tait said in a statement that the decision was “disappointing” for “Alabamians who have no choice but to pay the high cost of fossil fuels on their Alabama Power bill.”
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A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 7:43 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8 p.m. for Choctaw and Clarke counties.
Brace for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 7:42 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Coffeeville, or 21 miles south of Butler, moving east at 20 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
The alert is for Coffeeville.
The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
Slow down and drive with care:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 7:32 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8 p.m. for Talladega County.
Prepare for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 7:32 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Bon Air, or near Childersburg, moving southeast at 15 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Sylacauga, Childersburg, Oak Grove, Bon Air, Sycamore, Sylacauga Municipal Airport, Varnons, Overbrook, Gantts Quarry and Mignon.
According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and drive with care:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
The Sixers parted ways with Reese to sign forward Dominick Barlow to a two-way contract.
Reese played in 14 games for Philadelphia in the 2024-25 season and was on the 76ers’ summer-league team. The 6-foot-9 forward had two points and three rebounds in 12:18 of court time in Philadelphia’s 93-89 loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday on the opening day of the Salt Lake City Summer League. But he did not play in the Monday and Tuesday games because of Achilles soreness.
At Pelham High School, Reese was a three-time All-State selection and the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 6A boys’ Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season.
In 124 games in four seasons at Alabama, Reese averaged 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds.
After working as a bartender and a furniture mover in a year away from basketball, Reese returned to the court in the 2022-23 season, when he averaged 23.7 points per game in the Luxembourg Basketball League. Reese averaged 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots in 43 games with the Rip City Remix of the NBA Gatorade League in the 2023-24 season.
Reese made his NBA debut with a basket and a rebound in 1:53 on the floor in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 128-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 27. But he did not play again for Oklahoma City.
Philadelphia signed Reese from Rip City on Feb. 20. In 14 games with the Sixers, Reese averaged 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15.3 minutes.
In 26 games for the Remix and five games for the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G League, Reese averaged 16.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.7 blocked shots in the 2024-25 season.
A 6-foot-9 forward, Barlow has averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 96 NBA regular-season games over the past three seasons.
The 76ers open play in the NBA 2K26 Summer League against the San Antonio Spurs at 9 p.m. CDT Thursday in Las Vegas. ESPN will televise the game.
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II could add another award next week for his 2024 NFL season. The former Alabama All-American is among the nominees for the ESPY Award for the best NFL player.
The other nominees are Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Fans have one week remaining to vote online for their choice for the best NFL player and 20 other awards.
The ESPY Awards will be televised at 7 p.m. CDT July 16 by ABC.
Surtain collected those accolades for his fourth NFL season since joining the Broncos from the Crimson Tide as the ninth pick in the 2021 draft. For Alabama’s undefeated CFP national-championship team for the 2020 season, Surtain had earned unanimous All-American recognition and won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Former Auburn gymnast Suni Lee also is up for an ESPY as the best comeback athlete.
After being diagnosed with a kidney disease in 2023, Lee returned in 2024 and earned a gold medal with the United States in the women’s artistic gymnastics team competition and individual bronze medals in the women’s all-around and uneven bars at the Paris Olympics.
The other nominees for best comeback athlete are Mallory Swanson of the Chicago Stars and the U.S. women’s national soccer team, Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche and skier Lindsey Vonn.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
When Lee Lawson took the owner of a centuries-old German steel company on a tour of Baldwin Preparatory Academy, he suspected it might be a turning point.
Hermann Butting, head of family-run Butting Global, was all smiles as he visited with students in the school’s new welding labs.
“That facility really helped spur them to say, ‘alright, this community is investing $100 million in itself and its workforce, our investment could come alongside and energize it even more,’” recalled Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, referring to the cost of building the school that opened last August.
“We just hit a home run with Mr. Butting in the welding labs and for him to see the kind of investment we are making in this community,” he added.
That visit, paired with a $16.1 million incentive package, helped seal the deal: Butting Global is bringing its first North American manufacturing plant to Loxley.
“We are here to grow, contribute and to stay,” said Marcel Bartels, the company’s CEO, during Wednesday’s official announcement at Steelwood Country Club.
Incentives
Marcel Bartels, CEO of Butting Global – a German-based steel manufacturer – announces the company’s first U.S. production facility in Loxley, Ala., during an event on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Steelwood Country Club in Loxley.John Sharp
The company will build a $61.7 million facility within the Loxley Logistics Center, expected to be completed by late 2026.
The company, as part of its agreement with the Alabama Department of Commerce, vows to add at least 83 new full-time jobs with an average hourly wage of $30.
Bartels and Baldwin County EDA anticipate the facility will add 100 new jobs with an annual salary averaging around $65,000, or roughly 34% higher than the average wage in Baldwin County.
Bartels said that within three years, “100 percent” of the workforce in Loxley will be locally hired.
The following is the breakdown of the incentive package:
The state is offering an investment credit valued at $9.3 million over 10 years.
A Jobs credit is also being offered through the Alabama Department of Commerce, valued at $1.7 million over 10 years.
The state is also offering services through Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) valued at $1 million.
The Loxley Industrial Development Board authorized sales and use tax exemptions for the construction period that are estimated at $1.9 million.
Butting Global is also being offered non-educational property tax abatements for 10 years with an estimated value of $2.2 million.
According to the Department of Commerce, the state is anticipating a $26.3 million addition of new revenues over 20 years. In addition, the state estimates the facility generating $118.4 million in new payroll over 20 years.
Bartels, when asked if the incentive package played a role in choosing to locate to Loxley, responded, “of course.” The company had been looking at sites in other states including California, New York, and Wisconsin.
He said a bit of Southern hospitality also didn’t hurt.
“If I take a look at this area, I slept that last four nights in Fairhope,” he said. “I was out for a run in the morning and met 20 runners. Every one of them said, ‘good morning’ or ‘how are you?’ Helpful. Friendly. I enjoyed staying here in this area and it’s as important as incentives.”
Clients, tariffs
A rendering of the entrance to the future Butting manufacturing campus in Loxley, Ala. The German stainless steel manufacturing company announced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, that it was building its North American headquarters in Baldwin County.courtesy of Butting and Hargrove
The company was founded around the same time as the United States. It manufactures stainless steel welded pipes and other pipes and valves for industrial uses.
Bartels said one of the company’s highest profile clients is SpaceX, the Texas-based space technology company founded over 23 years ago by Elon Musk.
He said his company had been exploring a U.S. location for about 12 years, saying that many of the company’s North American clients preferred their product but noted that Butting Global was not an American firm.
“We said we have to change that,” Bartels said. “Now here we are.”
He said that while the threat of tariffs from President Donald Trump’s administration did not determine the company’s decision to move, having a U.S. presence would help them avoid potential tariff increases on imported steel products.
“We made the decision before the new administration and before the tariff (increases by Trump),” Bartels said. “It’s been a long-term decision for us. Of course, it will help us now (to avoid paying high tariffs). This will help our clients as well.”
Baldwin Prep
Baldwin County Preparatory Academy opened on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, with 772 students. The approximately $100 million career and tech school is much like a magnet school and offers students a variety of career programs of their choosing. Programs of study include health sciences, automotive technology, cyber security, culinary arts, engineering, cosmetology, construction, welding, graphic design, HVAC, teaching, aviation, and logistics.John Sharp
Having the facility located near Baldwin County Prep will be an advantage as well, Bartels said.
Butting’s Loxley facility is a short drive along Alabama State Route 59 to the new vocational and career tech high school, which is among the first of its kind in the United States.
“It’s really an investment into the future not only for all the young people (in Baldwin County) but also for America,” he said. “It’s incredible and is what we need for our business.”
Lawson credited the new school for closing an economic development deal, and he anticipates the school serving as a crucial backdrop for years to come.
“It was our first project to utilize Baldwin Prep in the pitch and the close, but it won’t be the last,” he said.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
The National Weather Service released a flood advisory at 6:49 p.m. on Wednesday in effect until 10 p.m. for Calhoun County.
The weather service says, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” explains the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice from the weather service
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Move to higher ground:
If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:
In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and drive with care:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Prioritize visibility:
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
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An Alabama woman is in jail, accused of throwing a 5-year-old to the ground.
Selena Cheyanna Smith, 24, is charged with aggravated child abuse. She is being held without bond in the Dale County Jail.
Dothan police were notified at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday by hospital staff that a 5-year-old was being prepared for surgery with suspicious injuries, said Chief William E. Benny.
The healthcare worker told officers that the child had bruises over most of his or her body and significant bruising to the face.
Smith initially told investigators that the child was running around the family’s home, fell and hit the table.
Police did not release Smith’s relationship to the child, saying only that she was the adult responsible for the child.
The injuries, according to healthcare workers and investigators, did not match the story given.
An investigation was launched to determine the circumstances.
Shortly after the investigation began, Smith admitted to causing the injuries, Benny said.
According to investigators, Smith was attempting to discipline the child, grew frustrated, and threw the child to the ground where the child struck his or her head on the floor.
The incident caused the child’s brain to swell from the blunt trauma, which was life-threatening.
The child has since been transferred to a different hospital for further treatment and is listed in serious but stable condition.
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Alabaster police are investigating a shooting that happened on I-65 in Alabaster on July 9, 2025.(Algo)
An investigation is underway after two motorists shot each other during a possible road rage incident on Interstate 65.
The shooting happened about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on I-65 near the 238-mile marker in Alabaster.
Officers dispatched to the scene found two people in two vehicles wounded, police said.
Both were shot in their “lower extremities” and taken to area hospitals.
No other details are being released at this time, police said.
There is no ongoing public threat.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 205-664-7401.
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