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General

Pea-sized hail forecast with thunderstorms to hit Washington County Monday – gusts may reach 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Monday at 7:31 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8:15 p.m. for Washington County.

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

“At 7:30 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 6 miles northwest of McIntosh, or 13 miles southeast of Chatom, moving northwest at 20 mph,” states 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 Chatom, Tibbie and Fruitdale.

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

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

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

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek 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, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

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:

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:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

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

Watch out for slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely 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.

General

Thunderstorms with damaging winds and quarter-sized hail in Conecuh and Escambia counties Monday

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 7:01 p.m. in effect until 7:45 p.m. for Conecuh and Escambia counties.

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

“At 7:01 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles east of I65 And AL 113, or 9 miles northwest of Brewton, moving west at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

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

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

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

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

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

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

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, 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.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

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:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

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

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:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

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

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.

General

Former Alabama All-American’s ‘splash’ down in Steelers secondary

In his first 60 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick recorded 17 interceptions. But in Pittsburgh’s past 28 games, the former Alabama All-American has one interception.

When asked during the NFL team’s offseason program what it will take for the return of “Minkah ball” to the Steelers secondary, Fitzpatrick said: “I just got to play football. That’s it.”

Pittsburgh defensive-backs coach Gerald Alexander had a lot more to say after getting that question.

“A lot of that is not necessarily dealing with the chasing of the results,” Alexander said, “but just how do we continue to master the process that puts him in position to make plays? A lot of that comes with alignments, assignments, being a great communicator, whether it’s putting himself or his teammates in positions of success or for whatever the opportunity presents itself. And then when those techniques and those opportunities align, that’s when splash plays happen.

“And so I’m not in the process of trying to chase results for Minkah or really for anybody. It’s really an opportunity to just develop the details that come with the responsibilities that we have that will lead to the results that we seek.”

Fitzpatrick also spoke about communication when reviewing the 2024 season, saying the Steelers had “too many instances where one guy thought one thing and one guy thought another and we weren’t on the same page and that led to a big play.”

Fitzpatrick’s solution to that is “leave no gray.”

“Football, I think, should be black and white,” Fitzpatrick said. “There shouldn’t be, in regards to execution and schematics, there should be no gray. It should just be this is how we’re doing it, this is how we’re communicating it. If I give you a thumbs up, you give me a thumbs up back. If I give you a thumbs down, you give me a thumbs down back. And it’s as simple as that. So when guys aren’t doing it, it’s establishing ‘No, this is what we’re doing, and if you don’t want to do it, then you ain’t going to be here.’ Or you’re not going to be on the field.

“We’re really pressing down and instilling that in everybody.”

As far as alignment and assignment, Fitzpatrick said: “We’re going to have to see once we get closer to the season.”

The major change for the Steelers secondary this offseason was the signing of cornerback Darius Slay to pair with Joey Porter Jr. A six-time Pro Bowler, Slay comes to Pittsburgh for his 13th NFL season off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fitzpatrick’s interceptions can’t necessarily by correlated to the Steelers’ defensive stats. In 2022, when Fitzpatrick tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions, Pittsburgh ranked 10th in points allowed and 13th in yards allowed among the NFL’s 32 teams. In 2024, when Fitzpatrick had one interception, the Steelers ranked eighth in points allowed and 12th in yards allowed.

Game results line up better. In games played by Fitzpatrick, when he has an interception, Pittsburgh has an 11-5 record, and when he doesn’t, the Steelers have a 46-43-1 mark.

On its summer break now, Pittsburgh opens training camp on July 23 at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Steelers start their three-game preseason schedule on Aug 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

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

General

Donald Trump ‘should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize,’ Auburn’s Bruce Pearl declares

Bruce Pearl believes Donald Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize for his handling of Israel and Iran.

The Auburn basketball coach has been very vocal on social media since the conflict started earlier this month.

“This is what a peace maker and the leader of the free world does,” Pearl posted. “He steps in when both sides can’t agree, and he gives them an offer they can’t refuse. He should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I pray that all sides can offer some grace and keep the peace.”

Trump said on social media Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours.

The U.S. president said on Truth Social that the ceasefire would bring an “Official END” to war, a major change in the hostilities that follows a U.S. strike over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear sites.

At this time of this posting, the Israeli military declined to comment on Trump’s statement. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment from The Associated Press. There was also no immediate comment from Iran.

Earlier Monday, Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of three key Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. said no casualties were reported.

Over the weekend, Pearl took to social media to thank Trump after the U.S. military struck three sites in Iran.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for your strength and vision, keeping us safe,” the Auburn coach posted on X. “Proud of our troops!

“You did what no one has had the courage to do for far too long. You were patient and clear. Pray for Peace through prosperity in the Middle East, expand now on the AA. You prevented a War.”

Prior to that, Pearl strongly condemned those who did not support Israel’s strikes on Iran.

Earlier this month, Israel launched a wave of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites and military command personnel claiming it was to neuter Iran’s nuclear program.

Pearl, who is Jewish and a staunch supporter of Israel, took to X to say he felt as though the Democratic Party “used to stand with Israel, sadly, not anymore.”

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.

General

Kalen DeBoer on Alabama football’s future, why Tide will win in 2025, QBs in exclusive interview

Kalen DeBoer’s second season as Alabama football’s head coach will be crucial to his Tuscaloosa legacy. The Crimson Tide underachieved by Nick Saban’s lofty standard last season, winning nine games and missing the College Football Playoff, but still showed up in big moments throughout the year, beating the likes of Georgia and LSU.

Ahead of Year 2, DeBoer sat down with AL.com’s Beat Everyone podcast to discuss a wide range of topics. He chatted about the Crimson Tide’s quarterback situation, with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell all competing for the job of replacing Jalen Milroe behind center.

He also talked about the addition of Ryan Grubb as Alabama’s offensive coordinator. DeBoer and Grubb worked together throughout their careers, most recently in 2023, when they led Washington to a national title appearance before DeBoer took the UA job and Grubb spent a year with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

“Having Ryan here just really takes it to another level, because of how long I’ve known him and the experiences we’ve had together,” DeBoer said. “The things we’ve talked through. It allows us to be very efficient, whether it’s coming off the practice or in his office, my office or wherever we’re at. Being able to talk through the situations that we’re or or might be coming our way.”

DeBoer also answered a handful of quick questions during a lightning round, including his favorite movies, southern food group, why he likes going for fourth downs and which of Alabama’s two uniform combinations is his favorite. The interview is now available to watch on YouTube, and can be heard wherever podcasts are distributed, including Spotify, Apple and more.

General

Alabama man beat his mother to death with a golf club, sheriff says

Officials have released new information regarding the cause of death for a woman allegedly murdered by her son.

According to the Baldwin County Sheriff‘s Office, preliminary autopsy results for Nanette Smith, 67, indicate she died from blunt force trauma.

Investigators believe Ryan Smith, 38, used a golf club during an assault on Nanette and his father, Noel Smith.

The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to the couple’s residence in Fairhope on June 14 at about 11:05 p.m. for a domestic incident.

Nanette and Noel were found in critical condition and flown to a hospital in Pensacola, Florida where Nanette died from her injuries.

Police identified Ryan as the suspected assailant and apprehended him after a vehicle pursuit.

Ryan was charged with murder and attempted murder and received a $1 million dollar bond.

General

Jefferson County coroner moves from ‘hopelessly small’ office to new $30 million facility

The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office has unveiled its new state-of-the-art facility, a $30 million project that county officials say was long overdue.

“We’ve gone from a building that was never designed for the work that we do, was hopelessly small and inadequate, to a facility that allows us to do our work with good light, room to work and, God forbid that we need it for some sort of disaster, the capacity to handle the bodies that might come from a tornado or some other disaster,” said Dr. Greg Davis, chief coroner/medical examiner.

The facility, which is nearing completion, takes the office from an outdated, small space on one floor of the old Cooper Green Hospital to 32,000 square feet of much-needed space and newer technology.

Or, in the words Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens, the office is going from “a facility that looks like it can be on a horror show to one of the most beautiful first-class, state-of-the-art facilities.”

Poole & Company Architects designed the facility with MWL Architects, both with experience in designing forensic pathology and laboratory spaces. Doster Construction served as the general contractor.

Discussions for the new building – which is located on Leaf Lake Boulevard off Lakeshore Parkway – began in 2021. It was built to serve the needs of Jefferson County for the next 30 years, with room for expansion.

“The coroner’s office carries a big role in our community,” said Commissioner Sheila Tyson. “People want their family members to die with dignity.”

Features include:

Increased examination space and storage capacity in case of natural disaster for other mass casualty events
A drive-through port keeps bodies from being visible during transport to the facility
A CT scanner which will expedite the examination of bodies and the recovery of evidence from bodies
An isolation room to examine potentially dangerous or infectious cases, which would contain any potential infection or injury to the employees
A conference room for training sessions with law enforcement and attorneys
A private meeting room for relatives of the deceased

The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office has the responsibility of examining people who have died suddenly and unexpectedly.

Those responsibilities include identifying people and determining the cause and manners of a death.

Also, Davis said, the office is tasked with understanding the public health of the community. It works closely with Jefferson County Health Department.

The office has been in the old Cooper Green Hospital since 1977.

Before that it was on the second floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse.

From 1819 through 1931, the coroner/medical examiner position in Jefferson County was elected and did not require any medical training or degree.

From 1931 until 1978, the position was appointed by the county commission but still did not require a medical degree.

In 1979, the commission began to require the coroner/medical examiner to be a board-certified forensic pathologist.

General

Trump says Iran and Israel to have a phased-in ceasefire over 24 hours

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday on social media that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours.

The U.S. president said on Truth Social that the ceasefire would bring an “Official END” to the war, a major change in the hostilities that follows a U.S. strike over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear sites.

“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR,’” Trump posted.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump thanked Iran for giving the U.S. and allies “early notice” of Monday’s retaliatory missile strike aimed at a major U.S. military installation in the Gulf nation of Qatar.

The president expressed hope that Tehran — with its reprisal for the U.S. bombardment of three key Iranian nuclear facilities — had “gotten it all out of their ‘system’” and that the moment would lead to a de-escalation in the Israel-Iran war.

“I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done,” Trump said on social media. “I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”

The Iranian attack on U.S. forces at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base marked Tehran’s first act of direct retaliation against the U.S. since Trump ordered strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Leon Panetta, who served as CIA director and defense secretary under former President Barack Obama, said Iran’s restrained response suggests that “their ability to respond has probably been damaged pretty badly.” He also said it’s a potential signal “they’re not interested in escalating the war, either with Israel or the United States.”

Trump said Iran launched 14 missiles at the base, a sprawling facility that hosts the forward headquarters of the U.S. military’s Central Command and was a major staging ground during the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The base houses some 8,000 U.S. troops, down from about 10,000 at the height of those wars.

The president said 13 of the Iranian missiles “were knocked down,” by U.S. air defense systems while one was “‘set free’ because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction.”

Hours before Iran launched its attack on Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued an alert on its website urging American citizens in the energy-rich nation to “shelter in place until further notice.” The Qatari government issued an extraordinary order to shut its busy airspace.

The attack came as global markets were trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles.

Iran’s parliament has approved cutting off the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane in the Persian Gulf that about 20% of global oil and gas passes through. It’s now up to Iran’s national security council to decide whether to move forward with the idea, which could lead to a spike in the cost of goods and services worldwide.

So, far the markets appear to be a responding with a relative measure of calm. By Monday afternoon, oil prices were nearly back to where they were before the fighting began over a week ago.

Trump earlier Monday called on the U.S. and allied oil producing nations to pump more oil and “KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN.”

Many energy industry analysts are skeptical that Iran would go forward with a full closure of the strait, something that it has threatened to do in the past.

Iran would face the possibility of retaliation against its own shipments and the possibility that the move would upset China, the biggest purchaser of Iranian crude.

The U.S. and allies pressed Russia in the leadup to Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine with threats to its oil industry, and then followed through as many Western oil companies pulled out of the country and the U.S. and Europe imposed sanctions on Russian industry.

But Iran is far less integrated into the global economy than Russia, which was reliant on European markets for its oil and gas exports and still went forward with the invasion despite U.S. warnings.

Colby Connelly, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, cautioned that “if the 2020s have taught us anything so far, it’s that economic ties don’t always prevent conflict.”

As for Iran’s future, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting.

“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” Trump posted on social media. “MIGA!!!”

Leavitt said Trump’s “posture and our military posture has not changed.”

“The president was just simply raising a question that I think many people around the world are asking,” Leavitt said.

___

By Aamer Madhani and Chris Megerian Associated Press

Associated Press writers Stan Choe in New York, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Josh Boak, Matthew Lee and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed reporting.

General

Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds and quarter-sized hail in Baldwin County Monday

The National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 5:27 p.m. on Monday in effect until 6 p.m. for Baldwin County.

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

“At 5:27 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Loxley, moving west at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Robertsdale, Point Clear, Loxley, Stapleton, Summerdale and Silverhill.

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

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

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 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 with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, 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

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

Beware of 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:

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

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:

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.

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.

General

Huntsville missile defense worker arrested for removing classified documents from work

Federal agents arrested a woman employed at the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville for removing classified documents from her workplace without authorization.

Criminal charges were filed against Ewa Maria Ciszak in U.S. District Court on Friday.

According to a federal complaint filed by the FBI, Ciszak, a civilian employee, allegedly knowingly removed classified documents or materials from her workplace between February and June 18 with intent to keep them in an unauthorized location. She had been employed by the Department of Defense at the Missile Defense Agency since Jan. 30, 2023.

According to court filings, federal agents observed Ciszak removing documents with classified markings on multiple occasions from February through May and again on June 18. A federal judge issued a warrant on June 16 authorizing a search of Ciszak’s residence and vehicle.

Shortly before executing the warrant on June 18, agents allegedly observed Ciszak removing classified material from her workplace in a backpack as she traveled to her residence. During the execution of the warrant, agents recovered classified materials from the backpack in her car.

Agents also located materials at various locations in Ciszak’s residence, according to filings. According to documents, Ciszak acknowledged receiving proper training about the handling of classified documents, but said she removed important information from the materials “like numbers” before taking them to her residence.

She was released after posting $25,000 bond in Savannah, Georgia, where she was arrested.