Alabama News

A lunar opposition to Venus crashes International Kissing Day, recalling the versatility of a kiss. It can reanimate the girl asleep for a century, turn the frog to a prince, betray the holy. A kiss can cross into risky territory, seal fate, put the power in a spell, be the heart in a ritual, or the reason for a head cold. The point is, what starts with a kiss rarely ends there.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). What people project in social settings often doesn’t match what they’re actually feeling. A lively group or a flashy party might seem joyful on the outside, but underneath, the dynamics could be very different. Make no assumptions or comparisons.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Even when you’re doing it right, life can get uncomfortable. Overwhelm is the ticket price for having a mind that sparkles in every direction. Your brain is a full-color projector in a world full of black-and-white Xerox machines.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll find joy in maintenance, beauty in routine. Taking care of the little things turns into a kind of devotion. A simple task becomes more meaningful when you connect it to a bigger reason.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Normally, life demands choices — if you want one thing, you have to give up another. But not today. You don’t have to sacrifice to receive. You can have the old and the new, stability and adventure, familiarity and excitement.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The image of a dessert case emphasizes variety and delight. It suggests that multiple appealing options are available at once, and you’re allowed to enjoy more than one without guilt or loss. Have your cake and eat it, too.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You know what you wish someone would’ve told you back then. That advice still matters — to someone else now. Say the words. It heals them a little, and it reminds you how far you’ve come.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re juggling a lot — maybe too much. But stay loose. It’s rhythm, not tension, that keeps it all in the air. Trust your timing. You’re a dancer with tasks instead of steps.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll be tempted to grumble about a commitment, but something in you shifts mid-task. There’s meaning in the effort. Later, you’ll look back and be proud — not because it was easy but because you kept your promise anyway.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have a cause you believe in so much that it doesn’t matter who takes the win as long as the cause is served. You could bring home the goal, or someone else could. Either way, it’s a thrill because the world is better for it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Remembering regrettable things you’ve said means you’re awake. Sensitive. Honest. It means you care deeply about the impact you’ve had and the choices you’ve made. That already puts you in rare company.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The day offers an unusual clarity: You’ll see something exactly as it is, without your hopes or fears fogging the view. From here you may decide to watch a little longer until you see the secret door that eluded you when you were less aware.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). People won’t naturally give you the room to figure out what you want. They’ll fill in any space you leave open. So, you’ll have to make a conscious effort to feed your own appetites and hear the tiny voice of your inklings, and it will be worth the effort.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 6). You’re used to people being drawn into your warmth, but this year’s spotlight on your boldness and originality will have them also admiring your spark, your edge, your vision. More highlights: One lucky connection ties you into an entire network including a special relationship that colors your world. This season brings public praise you will leverage into next season’s successful venture. A contract opens new financial territory. Leo and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 14, 48, 6 and 20.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: “Who is Merv Griffin?” is the correct response to a “Jeopardy!” clue, of course — and also the answer to who was born July 6. The media mastermind behind “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” Griffin had a Cancerian genius for sensing what people wanted at home: comfort, routine, connection. His knack for creating cozy rituals millions could enjoy together made him a quiet architect of American evenings. Known for his generosity, he supported education, the arts and LGBTQ+ causes — a legacy of heart as well as entertainment.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

Former Auburn All-American Johni Broome got his first action in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform on Saturday night in a 93-89 loss to the Utah Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League.

A second-round draft pick by Philadelphia on June 26, Broome started at power forward for the summer-league Sixers. He had 13 points, five rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in 24:12 on the court. Broome made 4-of-11 shots, including 2-of-4 3-pointers, and 3-of-5 free throws.

Broome scored his first points for Philadelphia 41 seconds into the game when he sank a 3-point shot.

Alex Reese (Pelham, Alabama) had two points and three rebounds for the Sixers.

The 76ers play the Oklahoma City Thunder at 6 p.m. CDT Monday and the Memphis Grizzlies at 8 p.m. Tuesday. ESPN will televise the Monday game.

Philadelphia starts play in the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas against the San Antonio Spurs at 9 p.m. Thursday. ESPN also will televise that game.

Another second-round pick with Alabama basketball roots also made his first pro appearance on Saturday in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Forward Brooks Barnhizer (Alma Bryant) had nine points, 13 rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 92-80 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Rookie guard Chris Youngblood (Alabama) had five points, three rebounds, one assist and three steals for Oklahoma City.

The California Classic Summer League also tipped off its schedule on Saturday in San Francisco. In the starting lineup for the Miami Heat, guard Kira Lewis Jr. (Hazel Green, Alabama) had four points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals in a 82-69 victory over San Antonio.

In Golden State’s 89-84 victory over Los Angeles, Warriors guard Jaden Shackelford (Alabama) had 11 points, one rebound, two assists and one steal and Lakers center Trey Jemison (Hoover, UAB) had three rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

Seven people were left injured after a fiery boat explosion on Lake Lanier, a notorious body of water in Georgia where hundreds of others have perished, according to authorities.

Of those hurt, five were hospitalized, including a child who was airlifted to a nearby medical facility following the blast.

The incident occurred Friday, with first responders racing to the so-called cursed lake, located 60 miles north of Atlanta, around 7 p.m., according to 11 Alive.

See also: Fourth of July fireworks explosion at Lake Martin leaves 6 people injured

Police said the 23-foot cabin cruiser was heading for the Margaritaville resort at Lake Lanier Islands when it suddenly exploded.

Video from the scene shows flames as high as five feet tall overwhelming the boat, sending thick plumes of black smoke over the nearby shoreline.

“The operator towing the boat rescued all seven people and took them to waiting paramedics at Margaritaville,” the state’s Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.

None of the victims have been identified and their exact conditions were not provided. They range in age from 5 to 45 years old, many of them suffering severe burns.

Lake Lanier is a man-made body of water, built in the 1950s atop the once-thriving Black neighborhood of Oscarville. It was created by flooding valley communities, which contained a cemetery, a fact that has fueled beliefs that the waters are cursed. And while the Marine Corps at the time worked to remove and relocate the marked graves, experts speculate there were plenty of unmarked burial plots in the area.

In the decades since, more than 200 people have died on the lake, with incidents ranging from boating accidents and drownings to explosions, according to state data. Locals have also reported strange disappearances, ghost sightings and even alien encounters.

The tragedies and mysteries of the lake have recently been featured in the Netflix docuseries “Files of the Unexplained,” as well as the Prime Video documentary “Surviving Lake Lanier.”

An investigation into the cause of Friday’s blast is ongoing.

©2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Elon Musk said a new political party he has been threatening to start up “is formed,” a day after President Donald Trump signed a tax-cut and spending bill that the Tesla Inc. billionaire chief executive officer has denounced.

Musk made the announcement on his X social network after posting the results of a poll on the platform that he said showed 65% of respondents in favor of creating an America Party.

“You want a new political party and you shall have it!” he said Saturday. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

Musk, the world’s richest man, didn’t provide details. He floated the idea as Congress prepared to pass Trump’s budget package, which will end a popular $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric vehicle purchases this year.

That followed Musk’s exit from the administration in an incendiary spat with Trump that ended his role heading the Department of Government Efficiency drive to cut federal spending.

Weeks after the public blowup with Trump, Musk began to ramp up criticism of the tax and spending bill through a series of posts on X after the Senate version speeded up the end of EV tax credits.

He took aim at Congress members who supported the bill, threatening to launch a new political party and vowing to boost his political spending to unseat lawmakers who voted for the bill during the next round of U.S. elections.

“If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,” Musk said on X at the time. He also criticized the package for giving “handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future” and for raising the federal debt ceiling by $5 trillion.

___

©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 5:55 p.m. in effect until 6:45 p.m. for Baldwin County.

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

“At 5:55 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Molino, or 7 miles northwest of Gonzalez, moving west at 10 mph,” says the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

The warning is for Gonzalez and Molino.

According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of 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 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 shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re 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. 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.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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

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.

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 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:

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.

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 weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 5:48 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:45 p.m. for Baldwin County.

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

“At 5:48 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Molino, or 7 miles north of Gonzalez, moving west at 10 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

The alert is for Molino.

The weather service states, “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, 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.
• 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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.

On Saturday at 4:48 p.m. a flood advisory was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 8 p.m. for Mobile County.

The weather service states, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”

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

Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice 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.

Follow evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

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.

Refrain from walking in 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 periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive with care:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

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

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
• If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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.