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General

Update: Look for pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in Alabama Thursday – gusts as high as 50 mph

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 10:38 p.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 11:45 p.m. for Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Russell, Pike and Barbour counties.

Brace for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 10:38 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Beulah to near Tuskegee National Forest to Shorter. Movement was southeast at 50 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Warriorstand, Hawkinsville, Aberfoil, Uchee, Spring Hill, High Ridge, Hurtsboro, Franklin Field, Beans Crossroads, Fort Davis, Twin Springs, Guerryton, Rutherford, Shopton, Three Notch, Mitchell, Davisville, Uchee Creek, Cecil and Midway.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for southeastern and east central Alabama.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

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

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

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.
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.
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. 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 sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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.

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 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 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

Expect pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in West Central Alabama Thursday, wind gusts reaching 50 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 9:47 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 10:30 p.m. for Pickens, Sumter and Greene counties.

The storms are packing pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 9:47 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Bevill Lock And Dam to Macon to near Mashulaville. Movement was southeast at 45 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Aliceville, Snoddy, New Mount Hebron, Panola, George Downer Airport, West Greene, Union, Pleasant Ridge, Lewiston, Benevola, Johnston Lake, Memphis, Bevill Lock And Dam, Gainesville Lake Campground, Garden, Geiger, Warsaw, New West Greene, Mantua and Pickensville.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for west central Alabama.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, 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 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 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. 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

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

Beware of 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 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.

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:

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.

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

‘Euphoria’ actor diagnosed with fatal disease returning for new season

Eric Dane has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The 52-year-old actor shared his diagnosis with People, while stating that his health has not impacted his plans to return for “Euphoria” Season 3. He will be on the HBO series’ set in the coming days.

“I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” Dane said.

“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of ‘Euphoria’ next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”

ALS is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease that breaks down the nerves in the body, weakening muscles and causing eventual paralysis, impacting patients’ ability to breathe, speak and move.

There is no known cure.

On “Euphoria,” Dane plays Cal Jacobs, the strict father to Jacob Elordi’s character Nate Jacobs.

Per People, Dane will begin shooting his role for the long-developing third season on April 14. Production on new episodes began in January, with Elordi, Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney among the other cast members confirmed to return.

“There’s gonna be redemption [for Cal],” Dane told Variety after Season 2 aired, teasing the trajectory of his character in future episodes. “I can’t judge the character. That’s a dead end street for any actor. So I didn’t pass any judgments on Cal. But I did know that eventually there was going to be a moment of truth and some sort of redemption for him.”

Along with “Euphoria,” Dane is also beloved for his multi-season turn as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and for leading TNT’s naval series “The Last Ship,” as well as more villainous performances in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “Burlesque.”

General

Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds in Coosa and Tallapoosa counties Thursday

On Thursday at 9:43 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 10:45 p.m. for Coosa and Tallapoosa counties.

Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 9:43 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 miles south of Ashland to near Kellyton to Dollar, moving southeast at 60 mph,” says the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Dollar, Bradford, Goodwater, Paint Creek, Ray, Bentleyville, Jacksons’ Gap, Hatchet, Horseshoe Bend, Equality, Hillabee Creek, Mitchell Lake, Western Lake Martin, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Highway 9, Highway 22, Unity, Rockford, Hissop, Hanover and and Fishpond.

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

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek 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.
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 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 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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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.

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

East Central Alabama under a severe thunderstorm watch Thursday night

The National Weather Service released a severe thunderstorm watch at 9 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 11 p.m. for Elmore, Lee, Macon and Russell counties.

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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.
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’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, 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.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and 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 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:

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.

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

Damaging winds and half-dollar-sized hail foreseen with thunderstorms in Chambers County Thursday

The National Weather Service released a severe thunderstorm warning at 8:55 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 10 p.m. for Chambers County.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and half-dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) are probable.

“At 8:54 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Malone, or near Lake Wedowee, moving southeast at 45 mph,” according to the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Southern Harbor, Post Oak Forks, Denson, I 85 Welcome Center At Lanett, River View, Cusseta, Amity Park, Rocky Point, Abanda, Standing Rock, Welch, Trammel Crossroads, Buffalo, Chambers County Lake, Fredonia, Lakeview, La Fayette, Veasey Creek Park, White Plains and Lanett Municipal Airport.

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

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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 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.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

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

Beware of 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.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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 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.

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 Huntsville star returning to Samford following hire of Lennie Acuff

New Samford coach Lennie Acuff kept one of the state’s top players home.

Samford forward and former Huntsville star Caleb Harrison will return to the Bulldogs to play for the newly-hired coach, his high school coach Christian Schweers confirmed to AL.com.

The move of his return comes after he entered the NCAA transfer portal on Sunday.

The 6-foot-9 forward did not appear last season for Samford and used his redshirt season.

Acuff was announced as the next head coach at Samford on Tuesday, replacing now-Texas A&M coach Bucky McMillan, who recruited Harrison out of high school.

Before heading to Samford, Harrison earned first team all-state honors and was named Huntsville Time Co-Player of the Year as a senior out of Huntsville High as he averaged 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists as a senior.

During his final season with the Panthers, he also earned MVP of the Northeast Regional, the Huntsville City Classic, the Class 7A Area 7 Tournament, the Orange Beach Mako Classic and the N2Hoops Classic.

He finished with 1,518 points and 924 rebounds during his time at Huntsville High School.

Harrison picked Samford over offers from Troy, Jacksonville State, Lipscomb, Loyola-Chicago and Belmont out of high school, along with several Ivy League programs.

General

Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds and quarter-sized hail in West Central Alabama Thursday

On Thursday at 8:12 p.m. the National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 9:15 p.m. for Fayette, Lamar, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties.

Brace for quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 8:11 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 8 miles northeast of Berry to near Millport, moving southeast at 65 mph,” says the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Cody, Stone Wall, Whitson, Ethelsville, Lake Tuscaloosa, Bankston, Bull City, Moores Bridge, Richard Arthur Field, Windham Springs, Samantha, Fayette County Public Lake, Shaw, Fayette, Kennedy, Lake Nicol, Wiley, Star, Echola and Lake Lurleen State Park.

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

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
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 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 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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:

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.

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 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:

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.

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

Update: Weather alert for winds and gusty outflow in Central Alabama Thursday night – gusts to hit 50 mph

The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 7:48 p.m. on Thursday for winds and gusty outflow until 9 p.m. for Fayette, Walker, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Clay and Bibb counties.

Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 7:47 p.m., Doppler radar tracked and outflow boundary with gusty winds along a line extending from near Riverside to Fultondale to 6 miles northwest of Oakman. Movement was south at 40 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Mountain Brook, Gantts Quarry, Samantha, Brookwood, Westover, Liberty Park, Green Pond, Maylene, Highland Park Golf Course, Grants Mill Road Bridge, Lake Tuscaloosa Dam, Overbrook, Oak Grove, Patton Creek, Weller, McAdory, Quinton, Birmingport, The Summit and Tutwiler.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for central, west central and east central Alabama.”

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

Florida woman killed, husband injured in crash with tractor-trailer on I-65 in Shelby County

Authorities have released the name of a Florida woman who was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 65 in Shelby County earlier this week.

Alabama State Troopers identified the victim as Le’kisha Franklin-Morgan. She was 49 and lived in Perry, Florida.

The wreck happened about 8:15 p.m. on I-65, about two miles south of Calera.

Senior Trooper Vu Quang said Franklin-Morgan was a passenger in a 2025 Kia Soul that struck a Kenworth tractor-trailer driving by 47-year-old Netzahualcoyotl L. Rodriquez-Castro of Texas.

Quang said Franklin-Morgan was not using a seatbelt at the time of the crash. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

Her husband Donald Morgan Jr., the 55-year-old driver of the Kia, was taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. The extent of his injuries was not released.