Alabama News

A flood advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 6:01 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Jefferson and St. Clair counties.

The weather service adds, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” adds the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Your guide to weather alerts: 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 declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.

• 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.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service

Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:

Move to higher ground:

If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.

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 permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes 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 noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Stay away from floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek high ground if trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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:

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.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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 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:

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.

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.

The New York Yankees play against the Seattle Mariners in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:05 p.m. CT on Prime Video. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by Prime Video.

The Yankees enter this matchup with a 50-41 record, and they have won back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Yankees defeated Seattle 10-3.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Yankees will need to rely on their star player Aaron Judge. He currently leads the team with 34 home runs and 75 RBI, which highlights his power at the plate.

Notably, Judge also leads the New York offense with a .360 batting average this season.

The Mariners enter this matchup with a 48-43 record, and they have won three of their last four games.

In order to win this game, the Mariners will need a great performance from their star player Cal Raleigh. He leads the Seattle offense with 36 home runs and 76 RBI this season, so he will try to continue his offensive success this evening.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trial offered by Prime Video.

The New York Mets play against the Baltimore Orioles in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Mets enter this matchup with a 53-39 record, and they have won five of their last six games. In their most recent game, the Mets defeated Baltimore 7-6 in 10 innings.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Mets will need to rely on their star player Pete Alonso. He leads the team with 75 RBI and a .290 batting average, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening.

The Orioles enter this matchup with a 40-50 record, and they have won three of their last four games.

In order to win this game, the Orioles will need a great performance from their star player Cedric Mullins. He leads the team with 13 home runs and 41 RBI, which highlights his offensive prowess.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 5:01 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 6 p.m. for Etowah and St. Clair counties.

The storms may bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 5:01 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Attalla, moving east at 30 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 Gadsden, Rainbow City, Attalla, Hokes Bluff, Glencoe, Sardis City, Steele, Altoona, Walnut Grove, Reece City, Tabor Road, Aurora, Ballplay, Gadsden Mall, Noccalula Falls, Neely Henry Lake, Southside, Alabama International Dragway, Gadsden Steam Plant and Mountainboro.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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, consider the following recommendations:

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 without 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 wooded 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 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. 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 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.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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.

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.

A well-known, well-respected Birmingham jazz musician and teacher has been sentenced to prison for possessing child porn.

Ray Reach, now 76, was initially arrested in April 2018.

The year prior to his arrest, the keyboardist, vocalist and guitarist had been recognized by AL.com as one of 30 Alabamians who changed jazz history.

A Jefferson County jury in May deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Reach on the four felony charges of possessing child porn.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace on Wednesday sentenced Reach 10 years split with two years to actually serve followed by three years of unsupervised probation.

The state asked that he be sentenced to 10 years to serve. The defense asked for probation.

Reach will be required to register as a sex offender

In the trial, prosecutors described in graphic detail the sex acts between children found on Reach’s laptop.

Deputy District Attorneys Tiffany Ould and Nick Taggart prosecuted the case. Reach was represented by attorney Herbie Brewer.

The case was investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation.

The probe began on March 11, 2014, when SBI received a tip from a technician at a local computer repair store that she had come across nude images of an underage boy on Reach’s laptop.

Investigators carried out a search warrant at Reach’s Birmingham home, seizing the laptop and other devices belonging to him

“Analysis of those devices uncovered a treasure trove of child pornography which had been carefully curated over at least a decade,” Ould said.

During the trial, the defense admitted that the images and videos in question did contain sexually explicit and graphic materials of children but claimed that the defendant did not know they were there.

The evidence, however, showed that Reach went through great efforts to disguise his collection.

He did so not only with password protected profiles, but also by hiding them in his computer under files that initially appear to be legitimate computer files.

Prosecutors said the efforts he went to showed it was in no way accidental nor done without defendant’s knowledge.

Reach took the stand in his defense, claiming that he had no knowledge that child pornography was across all of his devices.

After the earlier verdict, Reach was immediately taken into custody and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.

Ould said Reach spoke at the sentencing hearing and said he “remorseful for being associated with these heinous” images.

During his pre-sentencing investigation, she said, Reach focused much of his statement on regurgitating his resume and musical accomplishments, and most baffling, claiming he “would love to help younger student achieve musical success”.

“He emphasized that he has no touched anyone as if that was some sort of accomplishment,” Ould said. “The state noted that throughout the pendency of this case, the trial itself and after the trial, the defendant has cast blame on everyone but himself and has never taken responsibilities for his actions”

Ould said during sentencing, Reach “attempted to paint himself as a feeble old man with diabetes.”

Prosecutors argued that should not be a consideration.

“The state asked the court not to consider his age as it would be unfair to treat him differently than a younger defendant,” Ould said. “Also, based on the evidence presented at trial, Reach amassed thousands of images and video of child porn over a 10-year period while he was a senior citizen.”

“Raymond Reach is a pedophile who has an unnatural desire for children,” she said. “He is a danger to the community and should never be given access to children.”

“He is responsible for fueling the demand for these materials which included sado-masochistic torture and rape of children,” Ould said. “He is part of the problem, and he deserves to be punished as such.”

Reach is a Birmingham native and a staple in the jazz community.

According to his bio and social media, he is a former music instructor at Birmingham Southern College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

At the time of his arrest, he listed his occupation as director of student jazz programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

The warning was active for DeKalb County.

“The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, heavy rain is still possible with this thunderstorm,” states the National Weather Service.

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, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• 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’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, which 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 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 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. 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.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

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:

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.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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:

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.

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.

Officials are investigating the death of a north Alabama man as a homicide, according to the Marshall County Coroner’s Office.

Marshall County Coroner Cody Nugent released a statement on Facebook saying that Millard Jerry Anderson, 69, was found with a gunshot wound Tuesday morning in Albertville’s Asbury Community.

Nugent said the coroner’s office and the Marshall County Sheriff’s office are investigating the death as a homicide as part of their policy.

“The case is still under investigation and until the investigation is complete and as part of our policy it is being treated as a homicide, until deemed otherwise,” Nugent said.

“Investigators are working with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville on the investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

Auburn fans looking to buy tickets for individual games in 2025 can start making plans for the upcoming season.

Auburn announced on Wednesday that single-game tickets are now on sale for the 2025 season, along with the prices for each game.

Three games (South Alabama, Georgia and Alabama) are already sold out, but fans can still buy tickets on the secondary market. For more info and to buy tickets, click here.

The official ticket prices for each game are listed below:

• Ball State: $30
• South Alabama: $35 (Sold Out)
• Georgia: $175 (Sold Out)
• Missouri: $65
• Kentucky: $60
• Mercer: $20
• Alabama: $205 (Sold Out)

SeatGeek Auburn’s official secondary market ticketing sponsor and tickets for the games against South Alabama, Georgia and Alabama, can be found here, via SeatGeek.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 4:41 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 5:45 p.m. for Marshall, Jackson and DeKalb counties.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 4:40 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms near Guntersville, moving east at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Albertville, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Boaz, Guntersville, Arab, Rainsville, Crossville, Sylvania and Fyffe.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert 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 guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

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’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, 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 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.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

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:

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:

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.

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 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.

Amazon just dropped a super rare deal on on the neon blue Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler during Prime Day, giving shoppers a chance to score this super-durable, summer-ready hard cooler at one of its lowest prices we’ve ever seen this cooler sold for.

While usually $275, Prime members can grab the Big Wave Blue Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler for just $206 this week, a 25% discount overall. Those who aren’t Prime members can still sign up for a 30-day free trial to access this limited-time deal.

RELATED: Prime Day includes insane deal on Key Lime Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler

Yeti’s Big Wave Blue Tundra 35 Cooler features a vibrant, deep blue hue that feels right at home on the water, making it an eye-catching and functional accessory for fishing trips, beach days and weekend getaways. The Tundra 35 itself is one of the most sought-after models in Yeti’s hard cooler lineup known for its size, toughness and long-lasting ice retention.

Yeti hard coolers have become a go-to summer essential thanks to their sleek design, rugged durability, and top-tier insulation. The Tundra 45, in particular, features PermaFrost insulation and a thick FatWall design that work together to keep ice frozen for longer, even in extreme heat. It’s a reliable pick for outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their drinks and food cold without constantly refilling ice.

According to Amazon reviews, customers often praise the Tundra 35 cooler for its excellent ice retention, noting it keeps ice for several days even in hot conditions. The over design is often described as sturdy, durable and “built like a tank.” Many also appreciate the cooler’s size and portability, finding it suitable for day trips or weekend camping with a few people.

Those interested in this deal can check out the full listing on Amazon.