Rick Springfield made it a point to call out Craig Melvin after the ‘Today’ show host yawned during the live interview with the 80s rock icon.
On Thursday, the 75-year-old legend was talking about his 1980 hit “Jessie’s Girl,” then asked Melvin, “Am I boring you?”
“Not at all, Rick. I apologize,” Melvin responded as he, Al Roker and Jill Martin laughed at Springfield’s comment.
“It’s early,” the “Don’t Talk to Strangers” singer responded. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll yawn, too.”
Melvin didn’t help himself, trying to explain it away as a cough.
Springfield didn’t let it go throughout the interview.
“I like this guy!” Roker declared.
Springfield, 75, also revealed new details about the brain injury he sustained more than two decades ago.
He shared he recently learned he had lasting damage from a fall during a Las Vegas concert he performed 25 years ago.
“I was doing the show in Vegas, and I fell actually 25 feet to a steel stage,” Springfield said.
During a mid-show stunt, Springfield was meant to be suspended from a beam on a gravity-fed harness system, but “it wasn’t tied off,” the singer revealed. “I slammed (onto the stage), and then the beam hit me on the head and then my head hit the (stage) again.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
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A DeKalb County man remains in jail on multiple charges after authorities say he kicked a kitten to death and assaulted his father.
Dustin Blake Burt, 29, of Valley Head, is being held in the DeKalb County Jail on $4,000 bond.
According to court documents, the incident allegedly happened on July 1.
Burt, according to witnesses, kicked a kitten owned by a family member, killing it.
On the same day, after drinking, Burt punched his father in the head and put a hole in the wall of the home, cursing family members and refusing to leave.
He has been charged with cruelty to animals and third degree domestic violence, a misdemeanor.
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The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 11:38 a.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 12:30 p.m. for Madison and Jackson counties.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 11:38 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Moores Mill, moving east at 10 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Huntsville, Moores Mill, Gurley, New Market, Maysville, Princeton, Brownsboro, Larkin, Trenton and Garth.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
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 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.
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.
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 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 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. 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.
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 rapid water flow:
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.
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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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 suspect has been charged in the cold case 2021 shooting of a 28-year-old man in Tuscaloosa.
Frederick Dewayne Lewis, 22, is charged with murder in the slaying of Trevoris Sheppard, the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit announced Thursday. Lewis was 18 at the time of the killing.
TVCU Capt. Jack Kennedy said Sheppard was walking home when he was killed.
Sheppard was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
Kennedy said investigators continued to work on the case, re-examining the known evidence, as well as developing new leads both with technology and community involvement.
Earlier this month, the case was presented to a Tuscaloosa County grand jury, which returned the indictment against Lewis.
A motive has not been disclosed.
Lewis was taken into custody on July 5. He has since been released after posting $75,000 bond.
“All homicide cases are a priority for the Violent Crimes Unit, and all cases remain active and open until an arrest has been made,” Kennedy said.
“All investigators that worked on this case, from the initial response, the continual follow-up, and the eventual reexamination and presentation to grand jury are to be commended.”
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.
Paul Simon’s daughter, Lulu Simon, took to social media to blast actor Richard Gere for selling her childhood home in Connecticut to real estate developers who plan to demolish the property to make room for nine new homes.
Lulu declared her hatred for the “Pretty Woman” star in a post shared on Instagram stories, which also featured a selfie and screenshot of a news article. It detailed Gere’s plan for the estate, a sprawling 31.8-acre property in New Canaan he purchased in 2022.
“Just in case anyone was wondering if I still hate Richard Gere—I do!” she wrote Tuesday. “He bought my childhood home. Promised he would take care of the land as condition of his purchase. Proceeded to never actually move in & just sold it to a developer as 9 separate plots :).”
“Hate! Him!” she added without going into further details about the supposed purchase agreement.
In a second slide, Lulu shared an image of Gere’s face surrounded by dogs and captioned it: “I hope my dead pets buried in that backyard haunt you until you descend into a slow and unrelenting madness.” She followed it up with a meme, a frog sitting in front of a colorful sky with the words, “Time will put your enemies in the ground.”
Gere and his wife Alejandra officially sold the property for $10.75 million in October 2024. They have since moved to Spain, where Alejandra is from, to be closer to her family.
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.
Former Auburn center Dylan Cardwell will make his first appearance in a Sacramento Kings uniform on Thursday night in an NBA 2K26 Summer League game against the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas.
“I’m just excited to play in general,” Cardwell said on Wednesday. “The pre-draft process, for me, was grueling because every day was a different team. And so now I have my own team. I’m on a team again. I’m just really excited about being on the team. And so I don’t care who we’re playing. We can play the Harlem Globetrotters for all I care. I’m just happy to be on the Sacramento Kings.”
Cardwell did not get drafted, but he’s a step ahead of most of the players on the rosters of the 30 NBA teams gathered for 11 days of summer-league competition. Those players are hoping to get an invitation to training camp.
The Kings signed Cardwell to a two-way contract, which will allow him to play for Sacramento’s NBA Gatorade League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, and be on call for the NBA team if needed.
Cardwell said signing with Sacramento was an easy choice.
“They believed in me,” Cardwell said. “They’re the only team to offer me a two-way out of, I guess, undrafted free agency. And it showed me they had a deep belief in me. And I don’t really care where I’m at. I just want to go where I’m appreciated and where they see a future for me. And so I feel like, you know, (Kings general manager) Scott Perry, (assistant general manager) B.J. Armstrong, they believed in me. And so I’m going to work every day to pay them back.”
Cardwell said the Kings executives have told him they want to see “professionalism, grit, determination, accountability, really just being a vet pretty much. I’m 23, but I can’t afford to come in here like a rookie. I have to be pretty mature. And that’s my five years at Auburn. Bringing my maturity and physicality, toughness, rebounding, energy, just being the ultimate glue guy.”
Cardwell helped Auburn reach the Final Four of the NCAA tournament last season, but he averaged scoring only 5.0 points per game. Cardwell said he is using Ben Wallace from Central High School in Hayneville as his NBA blueprint. Wallace averaged 5.7 points per game during a 16-season NBA career, but he is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame because of his defensive and rebounding contributions.
“My role is energy, rebounding and defense, toughness and physicality,” Cardwell said. “And I try to be the Ben Wallace of this team. …
“Playing defense, make them feel us. That’s our slogan. It’s MTFU — make them feel us. We want to be on the ball. We want to guard the ball 94 feet.”
Cardwell said in Sacramento’s preparation for its NBA 2K26 Summer League schedule, he’d learned the basketball moves up and down those 94 feet quickly in the NBA.
“Oh, man, pace,” Cardwell said about the difference between NBA and college basketball. “That was the wakeup call this week. You know, (Kings summer-league coach Dipesh Mistry)’s done a great job of integrating it into the team. But when I was at Auburn, we were one of the slowest paces in the country. …
“Here in the NBA, they’re prioritizing getting up and down for more possessions. And so that’s probably the biggest difference for me. Vegas is going to be a track meet. And so it’s about getting in the best shape.”
A draw placed the Kings in the NBA 2K26 Summer League group with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns. Sacramento will play each of those teams in Las Vegas, starting with the Magic at 6:30 p.m. CDT Thursday.
The group results will lead to a fifth game for each of the 30 teams, and the two teams with the best showings will play for the league championship at 9 p.m. July 20.
“I heard it’s like AAU,” Cardwell said. “You know, it’s a small amount of warmup time for the tournament, so everybody’s on the sideline with their slides, ready to go hoop. And so I’m excited for that. And then to see my (Auburn) teammates — Johni Broome and Miles Kelly, Chaney Johnson, Denver Jones, Jaylin Williams. I’m excited to see my guys again.”
Players from Alabama high schools and colleges on NBA 2K26 Summer League rosters include:
Forward Brooks Barnhizer (Alma Bryant High School), Oklahoma City Thunder. Barnhizer joined the Thunder from Northwestern in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Center Garrison Brooks (Auburn High School), Detroit Pistons. Brooks played for Wolves Twinsbet in the Lithuanian Basketball League last season.
Forward Johni Broome (Auburn), Philadelphia 76ers. Broome joined the 76ers in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Forward Kobe Brown (Lee High School in Huntsville), Los Angeles Clippers. Brown played for the Clippers of the NBA and San Diego Clippers of the NBA G League last season.
Guard Jaden Campbell (Samford), New York Knicks. Campbell played for USK Praha of the Czech Republic National Basketball League last season.
Center Dylan Cardwell (Auburn), Sacramento Kings. Cardwell signed a two-way contract with the Kings as a rookie free agent.
Guard Aaron Estrada (Alabama), Memphis Grizzlies. Estrada played for the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League last season.
Center Trey Jemison (Hoover High School, UAB), Los Angeles Lakers. Jemison played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Lakers of the NBA and South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League last season.
Guard Chaney Johnson (Thompson High School in Alabaster, Auburn), Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson signed with the Cavaliers as a rookie free agent.
Guard Denver Jones (Buckhorn High School, Auburn), Cleveland Cavaliers. Jones signed with the Cavaliers as a rookie free agent.
Guard Miles Kelly (Auburn), Dallas Mavericks. Kelly signed a two-way contract with the Mavericks as a rookie free agent.
Guard Kira Lewis Jr. (Hazel Green High School, Alabama), Miami Heat. Lewis played for the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League last season.
Guard TJ Madlock (Alabama State), Detroit Pistons. Madlock signed with the Pistons as a rookie free agent.
Forward Grant Nelson (Alabama), Brooklyn Nets. Nelson signed with the Nets as a rookie free agent.
Center Clifford Omoruyi (Alabama), Toronto Raptors. Omoruyi signed with the Raptors as a rookie free agent.
Guard Josh Primo (Alabama), Chicago Bulls. Primo played for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA and the Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League during the 2023-24 season.
Guard Mark Sears (Muscle Shoals High School, Alabama), Milwaukee Bucks. Sears signed a two-way contract with the Bucks as a rookie free agent.
Guard Jaden Shackelford (Alabama), Golden State Warriors. Shackelford played for the Valley Suns of the NBA G League last season.
Forward Jaylin Williams (Auburn), Dallas Mavericks. Williams played for the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League last season. Williams played on Friday for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, as he has in every game for the team in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League season.
Guard Chris Youngblood (Alabama), Oklahoma City Thunder. Youngblood signed with the Thunder as a rookie free agent.
Eight teams got a jump on the rest of the NBA 2K26 Summer League field by participating in three-day summer leagues in the past week. The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs played in the California Classic Summer League in San Francisco, and the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz played in the Salt Lake City Summer League.
DeMarre Carroll will serve as the coach of the Phoenix Suns’ NBA 2K26 Summer League team. A former prep standout at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham who played 11 seasons in the NBA, Carroll is as assistant on the staff of new Phoenix coach Jordan Ott.
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.
The National Weather Service issued a report at 11:20 a.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until noon for DeKalb County.
Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 11:20 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Fyffe, or near Rainsville, 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 Fort Payne, Rainsville, Sylvania, Fyffe, Powell, Geraldine, Valley Head, Hammondville, Mentone and Pine Ridge.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
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 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 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.
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 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. 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.
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures 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 rapid water flow:
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.
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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
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:
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.
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.
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.
During this major sales event, Walmart customers can score the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker + Side Tank for $394 instead of its typical $550 price tag. This last time this ice maker was on sale at Walmart, it was listed for $435, which means this new deal features an additional $44 discount, a $154 markdown overall.
GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker + Side Tank
$548 $394
The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker comes with a convenient side tank that ensures three times more ice production than similar models.
The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker is considered the OG nugget ice maker. However, people continue to gravitate towards this brand despite the price (when not on sale) due to its compact size, stylish design and, most importantly, its ability to store the ice. Other cheaper models require you to transfer the ice to the freezer or it will melt. Not to mention, this particular model comes with a side tank which ensures three times more ice production.
The Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker is another notable model that stores the ice and also happens to be on sale this week for only $179, but it is much bigger and takes up more counter space compared to the Opal Nugget Ice Maker.
“Nugget Ice. Pellet ice. Drive-in ice. Whatever you call it, you know it’s ‘the good ice.’ Now that chewable ice is available from the convenience of your countertop with the Opal Ice Maker. It stores up to 3-lbs of ice at one time [and] comes with the side tank attachment for three times more ice production,“ the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker product description states.
“Built on the belief that modern life needs modern solutions. GE Profile Appliances are designed to make daily life simpler by incorporating cutting-edge features in every appliance. GE Profile’s sleek design and quality engineering will give your kitchen the most up-to-date look and the best innovative performance you’ve been looking for.”
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 from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 11:19 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until noon for Morgan, Marshall and Cullman counties.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
“At 11:18 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Arab, moving east 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 Albertville, Boaz, Guntersville, Arab, Grant, Holly Pond, Baileyton, Union Grove, High Point and Horton.
The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. If on or near Lake Guntersville, get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.”
When lightning looms: Expert safety tips 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 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’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, 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 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.
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:
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.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
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 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:
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.
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.
An elderly man is under arrest, accused of shooting at two repo men overnight in St. Clair County.
Allen Lane Thomas, 79, is charged with two counts of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call Chula Vista Drive in Pell City about midnight Wednesday.
Sheriff Billy Murray said two men with repossession orders went to a residence there and took possession of a vehicle.
As they were leaving with the vehicle, Murray said, Thomas exited the home and opened fire on them. The bullets struck the occupied tow truck, but no injuries were reported.
Thomas was taken into custody at the scene. He is being held in the St. Clair County Jail on bonds total $180,000.
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