Alabama News

At 4:31 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 5 p.m. for Mobile County.

The storms could bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 4:31 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Grand Bay, and is nearly stationary,” says the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

The warning is for Grand Bay.

The weather service adds, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

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 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 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.
• 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, 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. 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, 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

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:

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:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

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 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.

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 National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 4:06 p.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 4:45 p.m. for Mobile County.

Anticipate pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 4:05 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 7 miles southeast of Lucedale to Grand Bay. Movement was southwest at 10 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Theodore, Grand Bay, Lucedale and Tanner Williams.

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

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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 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.
• 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, 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 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

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 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:

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:

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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

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:

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.

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.

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.

Another day, another five-star commit.

That seems to be Alabama’s schedule these days. That’s only a slight exaggeration.

On Saturday, the Crimson Tide picked up a commitment from another five-star recruit when defensive back Jireh Edwards announced his pledge to Alabama.

Edwards marked the fifth five-star recruit to commit to the Crimson Tide in the 2026 recruiting class, per On3/Rivals. He’s the fourth by 247Sports’ rankings.

As of Saturday afternoon, that’s far and away the most of any program. No other school has more than two five-star commits so far.

Per On3/Rivals’ metrics, the only other schools with more than one five-star are Oregon, LSU, Texas and Ohio State. By 247Sports’ measure, only Tennessee, LSU, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas A&M and Texas have multiple five-star commits.

General manager Courtney Morgan is fresh off securing the No. 3 recruiting class in 2025 and he’s on track to do that again, at least.

With the addition of Edwards, the Crimson Tide moved up to No. 3 in the 247Sports’ composite rankings and No. 4 in the On3/Rivals industry rankings.

Much can change before recruits lock in their decisions. This isn’t the finish line by any means. But Alabama’s riding a hot streak right now. Four of those five-star commitments have occurred in the past two weeks.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help identifying two suspects in the shooting of a Birmingham store clerk during a holdup.

The shooting happened just before 9 p.m. Thursday at Dollar General at 2314 Warrior Road in Five Points West.

According to police communications, the male employee sustained a gunshot wound to the torso. Initially his injuries were thought to be life-threatening, but Officer De’Rell Freeman on Saturday said the victim is expected to be OK.

 

Investigators put down at least a dozen evidence markers.

Police blocked off the immediate area surrounding the store, and also a larger perimeter spanning several blocks.

Freeman said the two male suspects entered the store and took about $600 in cash. They fled the store after shooting the employee.

Anyone with information is asked to call robbery detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Alabama football’s recent history of great defensive backs is unparalleled. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide might have found the next one.

Five-star safety Jireh Edwards committed to the Crimson Tide as part of the 2026 recruiting class, he told Rivals. Edwards is listed as the No. 2 safety in the class by 247Sports’ composite rankings, which have him as the No. 23 player overall in the group.

“Owns a college-ready build with some promising features and tested off the charts spring before junior year,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in his assessment of Edwards. “Spent much of his 11th-grade campaign deployed as an oversized slot and did nothing but make plays for one of the nation’s top prep defenses. Triggers downhill in the snap of a finger and frequently arrives with violence.

“Comfortable crashing gaps, but is also effective in the alley as he uses sharp angles to get ball carriers on the ground. Instinctive in coverage and can match and mirror underneath routes with his lateral agility. Will take some chances when defending the pass, but unsuspecting length can bail him out.”

Edwards plays his high school football at St. Francis Academy in Maryland. He participated in the 2025 Under Armour All-America game.

The 6-foot-2, 194-pound safety over two other finalists, Auburn and Georgia. He became the first safety to join Alabama’s 2026 class.

The Crimson Tide’s recruiting started out the offseason slow, but has reached its typical form since midway through June. UA’s 2026 group is now among the top 10 in the nation according to major recruiting services.

Kelly Clarkson left fans disappointed Friday after postponing the opening weekend of her Las Vegas residency.

The ‘American Idol’ alum made the announcement just 90 minutes before she was set to take the stage at Caesars Palace.

Clarkson explained via Instagram that she and her team had been working “24/7” to create an unforgettable experience for fans. However, due to vocal strain she had to cancel the show.

“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” Clarkson wrote. “I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve.”

The 43-year-old singer thanked her fans while acknowledging their disappointment, continuing, “I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars.”

Clarkson reassured her fans that she plans to be back on stage after taking time to rest.

“The show is truly incredible. The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong,” said Clarkson.

Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos should have consulted former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron this offseason. McCarron has sound advice that could have helped a few weeks back.

“All I’m saying is, if you’re a guy like Thomas, keep your mouth shut, go to work,” McCarron said on his podcast the Dynasty recently, “and then let your play do the talking.”

Castellanos, however, took a different route. He let his trash talk do the talking. Castellanos and Florida State will play host to Alabama at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 to open up the 2025 season.

“I’m excited, man,” Castellanos told On3 this summer. “People, I don’t know if they know, but you go back and watch every first game that I played in, we always start fast. I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”

There’s a lot to unpack there, and McCarron did.

“Where do you even start?” McCarron said. “You’re going to a team that was 17th out of 17 teams in the ACC. You’re leaving a team and lost the starting job where you finished ninth in the ACC. I’m all for confidence, but this is stupidity.”

McCarron said Castellanos should call up Boston College coach Bill O’Brien, the former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator, to get his perspective. Even if their relationship is strained.

“Ask Bill how Alabama is,” McCarron said. “What type of players they have. How they play the game. And let OB tell you, hey Thomas, you might want to stay quiet on this one. Just go out and play. Now you just added fuel to the fire brother. Brother, I promise you, I wouldn’t want to be you the first game of the year. I don’t care how well you can run. How well you can throw it. Once you stand in that pocket and get hit a couple times, that accuracy that dipped that cost you the starting job, you better find it quick this offseason and during that game because it ain’t going to be good.”

McCarron said Castellanos’ comments sounded like someone who hasn’t played in the SEC before or faced Alabama.

“Because you have no clue what you’re talking about,” McCarron said. “You don’t know the type of team you’re about to face. The athletes you’re going to face … Speed. Size.”

Castellanos’ words will hang over the rest of the summer as Alabama prepares to Florida State.

“You’ve done ran your mouth and now you better back it up in the game or you are going to hear about it all year,” McCarron said, “and you might lose your job again and have to enter the transfer portal once again.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

Legendary singer Connie Francis has been hospitalized after she experienced “extreme pain,” she told fans on Facebook.

The 87-year-old pop star, whose hits “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” and “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” charted in the 1960s, was rushed to a Florida hospital’s intensive care unit last Wednesday.

“I am back in hospital where I have been undergoing tests and checks to determine the cause(s) of the extreme pain I have been experiencing,” Francis said in a Facebook post on July 2.

She’s since been moved out of ICU to a private room, after undergoing testing, she said in another Facebook post on Thursday. On Friday, she said she was “feeling much better.”

She had to miss her July 4 show because of her hospitalization.

Francis’ 1962 hit “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok earlier this year, with more than 3 million lip synch videos, according to Billboard.