Alabama News

At 2:44 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service released a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 3:45 p.m. for DeKalb and Jackson counties.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are foreseen.

“At 2:44 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Pisgah, or 10 miles east of Scottsboro, and is nearly stationary,” states the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Rainsville, Henagar, Sylvania, Fyffe, Hollywood, Powell, Geraldine and Section.

The weather service adds, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

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 protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, 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.
• 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.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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, 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 rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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 rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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 stay cautious:

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:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

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:

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.

A state judge has ordered a temporary stay for an Alabama Death Row inmate who is set to die next month for his mental state to be evaluated.

The Marion County judge ordered David Lee Roberts’ Aug. 21 execution by nitrogen gas be put on hold until he can have a psychiatric evaluation “as to whether (his) mental state is so distorted by a mental illness that he lacks a rational understanding of the state’s rationale for his execution.”

“Or simply put,” Circuit Judge Talmage Lee Carter wrote, “the issue is whether (his) concept of reality is so impaired that he cannot grasp the execution’s meaning and purpose or the link between his crime and its punishment.”

Roberts was convicted in the April 1992 killing of Annetra Jones. At his trial, the jury recommended by a vote of 7 to 5 that he be sentenced to life in prison. But a judge overrode that decision and sent him to death row anyway, where he landed in 1994.

Carter requested a written report from the evaluation, and listed questions that he wanted answered. Among them were if Roberts, 59, suffers from a severe mental illness and if he has a rational understanding of why he’s to be put to death.

If Roberts isn’t competent to be executed, the judge wrote, the report should include treatment options and where those could be completed.

Roberts lawyers from the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Alabama had asked the judge to stay the upcoming execution earlier his month, arguing that Roberts has Schizophrenia and has been diagnosed by prison doctors. They said Roberts “has endured psychosis and mood disorders since early adulthood —conditions that have worsened on Alabama’s death row.”

“He is floridly psychotic now, despite having taken prescribed anti-psychotic medication for over 20 years. His extreme paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and delusions have left him without any understanding of his mental illness.”

Roberts’ lawyers included in their ask to the judge snippets of medical records and notes from medical providers. One psychologist who saw him earlier this year noted that Roberts was hearing voices and delusions, and was held in solitary because of it. Other death row inmates have told the legal team that Roberts is often screaming and setting his things on fire in his cell.

“In fact, when counsel met with him in mid-April to attempt a discussion about the State’s pending motion to set his execution date,” wrote Roberts’ lawyer in the motion, “he was so overwhelmed by delusions that his tattoos were manipulating his mind, he had attempted to burn them off his skin.”

When the crime happened more than 30 years ago, according to court records, Roberts had been staying with a man who was a well-known local criminal. That man’s girlfriend, Jones, was staying at the same house and was sleeping on a couch on April 22, 1992. Records show Roberts left work and went to the house that afternoon to pack his things. He stole money from Jones’ wallet, court records said, and then shot her three times in the head with a rifle.

Following the shooting, Roberts poured flammable liquid on her body and set a piece of paper on fire, pushing it under the couch, according to court records. He set another fire in the house, and stole more items.

He confessed to the crime, but his lawyers said those statements were made after hours of interrogations and culminated in over 25 hours of questioning. He told police that he committed the murder after the man whose house he was living in had ordered him to and threatened Roberts’ family.

Roberts’ lawyers and advocates said his mental illness set in long before Jones’ murder. According to a website dedicated to his clemency efforts and court records, Roberts had attempted suicide several times before the murder and went AWOL from his Army unit.

After Roberts’ team asked for the competency exam earlier this month, the state didn’t disagree. They asked the judge in a filing to order an “expedited” evaluation.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday deflected questions over the Justice Department’s decision to interview Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of helping the financier sexually abuse underage girls and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.

Trump instead lashed out at old grievances following a new report from his intelligence director aimed at casting doubt on long-established findings about Moscow’s interference in the 2016 election.

Trump is under pressure from conspiracy-minded segments of his political base to release more about the Epstein case. He’s tried to move on, which Democrats say is because of his association with Epstein. Trump has denied knowledge or involvement of Epstein’s crimes and said he ended their friendship years ago.

The president said it’s “appropriate” for the Justice Department to seek a new interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein who was convicted of helping the financier sexually abuse underage girls.

Asked Tuesday about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s announcement that the department reached out to Maxwell’s lawyers for an interview, Trump said he didn’t know about it “but that would be, sounds appropriate to do.”

Added Trump, who has faced a political crisis over records related to Epstein’s sex trafficking investigation: “I don’t really follow that too much. It’s sort of a witch hunt.”

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 4:51 p.m. on Tuesday for strong thunderstorms until 5:15 p.m. for Montgomery and Pike counties.

Residents can be ready for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 4:51 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Dublin, or near Meadville, moving south at 25 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Meadville, Kent, Ansley, Grady, Sellers, Strata, Dublin, Naftel, Ramer and Currys.

According to the weather service, “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.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• 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.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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 stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator 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.

Visibility matters:

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:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.

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.

A brand new season of the no. 1 most-viewed docuseries on Prime Video, Shiny Happy People, debuts on the streaming platform Wednesday, July 23.

Those looking to stream the sophomore season of the hit Prime Video docuseries can enjoy a 30-day free trial before committing to a paid subscription.

What is Shiny Happy People season 2 about?

According to an Amazon MGM Studios press release, Shiny Happy People is calling the newest season Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War and focuses on “the controversial organization Teen Mania—once America’s largest youth ministry, attracting millions through their wildly popular stadium shows know as Acquire the Fire.”

Throughout the second season, viewers will witness the unveiling of the organization’s questionable underbelly which includes a “high-pressure pipeline of brutal spiritual bootcamps, surreal role-playing scenarios, and relentless psychological control—all under the command of a charismatic leader with endlessly expanding ambitions.”

More on Teen Mania

Teen Mania Ministries was founded back in 1986 by Ron Luce and his wife, Katie near Dallas, Texas. The prominent Evangelical Christian youth organization had an ambition mission to “build an army of young people who will change the world,” and attempted to solidify that dream by hosting large-scale conferences, mission trips and more.

Underneath the organization’s polished exterior was a cracking interior that was made up of questionable morals and practices, which continued until the organization ended its operations in Dec. 2015 after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

How many episodes will Shiny Happy People season 2 have?

Though a lengthy description of season two has been given to fans eager for the upcoming release, there is no confirmed number of episodes.

For those who may have caught the debut season of Shiny Happy People, which focused on the Duggar family from 19 Kids and Counting, four episodes were included in season one, and as the award-winning team responsible for season one is returning for season two, it’s possible season two could follow the same format.

How to watch Shiny Happy People season 2

Cord cutters looking to watch the most popular docuseries available on Prime Video can enjoy a 30-day free trial before committing to a paid subscription.

What is Prime Video?

Prime Video is one of the go-to streaming platforms replacing traditional cable services. Those hoping to officially cut ties with the hassle of basic cable while still enjoying hit shows, premium channels and sports can find all and more available through a Prime Video subscription.

Following the 30-day free trial, those who choose to stay on and continue enjoying the plethora of content available for streaming through Prime Video pay just $7.49 for the next three months, and $14.99 a month following.

In addition to the slew of content you can access with a basic monthly subscription, Prime Video offers the opportunity to include add-ons such as HBO Max, Showtime and STARZ.

A former Alabama teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student had her bond revoked after authorities say she tried to communicate with another teen.

Sarah Huggins Logan, 35, was arrest last week on a charge of being a school employee engaging in a sex act.

Sheriff’s office investigators said they received a report from the parents of a student at North River Christian Academy, according to Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy.

Charging documents against Logan, who was a teacher and volleyball coach at the pre-K through 12th grade school, state the mother of a 16-year-old girl found messages in her daughter’s phone that indicated there was a romantic and sexual relationship taking place between Logan and the victim.

The 16-year-old was interviewed, documents state, and she told investigators she and Logan had performed sex acts on each other. The alleged crime took place in the bedroom of Logan’s Buhl home.

After conducting interviews and recovering evidence, investigators obtained warrants for Logan, who was taken into custody Friday.

The conditions of Logan’s $5,000 bond included her being prohibited from any contact with any minor children except her own.

On Sunday, investigators alleged, Logan set up a new social media account and sent a “friend request” to a 17-year-old.

Tuscaloosa County prosecutors on Tuesday morning filed a motion to revoke Logan’s bond, which was granted by District Judge James Gentry.

Logan’s attorney, Chad Barnett, said he expects to file a response sometime today.

Logan is no longer employed at the school.

Authorities last week said the investigation ongoing and more charges are expected.

There is a possibility of other victims, Kennedy said, and anyone who was a victim or has further information is asked to call the investigators at 205-464-8690.

Much was made of the fact that SMU made the 2024 College Football Playoff over a number of SEC teams, including Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina.

Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee has bristled at that criticism, and fired back at the SEC at ACC Media Days on Tuesday. Lashlee — a former Auburn offensive coordinator — claimed the ACC is in fact a deeper league than the SEC, noting that no one out of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee has won the SEC championship in the last 50 years.

“It’s just a week in, week out — that’s the league you want to be in, that’s where you want to be,” Lashlee said, via On3’s Dean Ralsky. “You look at our league, we had like four 10-win teams, two playoff teams, a handful of nine-win teams, 13 bowl teams, there’s just not a lot of easy wins on the schedule.

“And there’s other leagues that claim depth. But like, the SEC has had the same six schools win the championship since 1964. The same six. Not a single one has been different since 1964. That’s top-heavy to me. That’s not depth.”

Lashlee’s note that only six teams have won the last 50 SEC championships is a fact, though the ACC has been largely dominated by Florida State, Clemson and Virginia Tech in the last 30-plus years. The Seminoles and Tigers have won all but one SEC title since 2011 (Pittsburgh in 2021), with the Hokies winning five in seven years from 2004-10.

So maybe they’re both top-heavy.

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved paving contracts worth more than $12.7 million with Dunn Construction Co. of Birmingham to pave city streets.

Several council members asked that previous mistakes by past pavers be remediated when possible during new paving.

Council member Valerie Abbott said past street paving projects had covered up curbs that are supposed to direct stormwater into storm sewers, causing flooding.

“The paving contractors are paving over our gutters,” Abbott said.

Council member Wardine Alexander agreed and asked if new paving efforts could “undo the damage that’s been done.”

Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn said that instead of milling streets down and then paving, past contractors had paved over streets without milling.

“Stormwater is now running on the right of way and into people’s yards and is not being directed into storm drains,” O’Quinn said.

“We are addressing those issues right now with the contractor, said Denise Bell, director of capital projects for the City of Birmingham.

“We do expect to see a difference this time,” Bell said. “We do move to correct issues.”

The city is spending more than $10 million a year on re-paving streets, but it sometimes takes 10 years to get to every street. “The water does not know that we need to wait 5 to 10 years,” Abbott said.

“There’s over 1,000 miles of paved streets in the city of Birmingham,” O’Quinn said. “$10-to-$15 million gets you a few miles. This is a long-term process. You’ve got to eat the elephant one bite at a time. We’re going to keep at it.”

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Tuesday at 2:16 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3 p.m. for Russell and Barbour counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:16 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Hawkinsville, or 9 miles northwest of Eufaula, moving south at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Eufaula, Clayton, Hawkinsville, Spring Hill, Gaino, Comer, Osco, Richards Crossroads, White Oak, Lakepoint Resort State Park, Batesville, Twin Springs, Lugo and Baker Hill.

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.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

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 a safe place to shelter, 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.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded 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 you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not 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.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

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:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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:

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

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

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:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

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.

An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Tuesday at 2:16 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:45 p.m. for Henry and Houston counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:16 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 6 miles northwest of Blakely to 7 miles south of Colquitt. Movement was south at 20 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Colquitt, Donalsonville, Blakely, Columbia, Centerville, Gordon, Iron City, Brinson, Jakin, Haleburg, Hayes, Rock Hill, Donaldsonville A/P, Howards Mill, Pearce, Eldorendo, Chattahoochee SP, Kolomoki Mounds Sp, Hanover and Saffold.

According to the weather service, “Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• 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.
• 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 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 you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not 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.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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:

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:

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 initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

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.

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.