Alabama News

General News

General

Thunderstorms with nickel-sized hail in Winston County Thursday – winds gusting up to 50 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 6:46 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 7:15 p.m. for Winston County.

The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph and nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches).

“At 6:45 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Moreland, or 13 miles northwest of Arley, moving southeast at 60 mph,” according to 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 Houston Recreational Area, Mill Branch, Hullett Branch, Addison, Nesmith, Winston County Airport, Cane Creek, Bull Branch, Brushy Lake, Helicon, Hidden Cove Campground, Inmanfield, Ashridge, Grayson, Addison Town Hall, Sardis, Double Springs, Panther Branch, Arley and Upshaw.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for northwestern 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 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.
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, 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

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.

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

Prioritize visibility

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

Watch out for slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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.

General

Texas and former Alabama WR surrenders on sexual assault warrant, calls accusations ‘patently false’

Isaiah Bond turned himself in Thursday to the Frisco (Texas) Police Department on a sexual assault warrant, per NFL.com.

According to the report, which cited a Frisco PD public information officer, the Texas – and former wide receiver – posted $25,000 bail.

The 20-year-old Bond released a statement to NFL Network Insider’s Ian Rapoport.

“Regarding the accusation made against me, I would appreciate the time and opportunity to defend myself and prove the claims made, patently false,” Bond said in the statement. “I am in full cooperation with the authorities and will remain a willing and active participant in the investigation. Unfortunately, claims like these prove to be harmful to all involved, absent full review. I kindly request that all reserve judgement until the authorities provide a complete report based on truth and evidence.”

Bond caught 34 passes for 540 yards and five touchdowns as a junior last season at Texas. Prior to his stint in Austin, he played two seasons at Alabama.

The Buford, Ga., native earned a starting job in his second season with the Crimson Tide, leading the team with 48 catches for 668 yards and four touchdowns.

Bond was part of the most famous plays in Iron Bowl history when, facing fourth-and-goal from the Auburn 31, quarterback Jalen Milroe found Bond in the back of the end zone on the “Gravedigger” play that won the game and preserved Alabama’s College Football Playoff hopes.

“It’s all love from Alabama,” Bond said recently at the NFL Combine. “At the end of the day, I was there for two years. I follow my brothers. Like I said, I went there for coach Saban and I have a lot of respect and love for that guy. Like I said, going to Texas, it was the next step and I had a great experience there and a great time there.”

Bond had 99 receptions for 1,428 yards and 10 touchdowns in 41 games at Alabama and Texas.

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

Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds and golf-ball-sized hail in Blount County Thursday – gusts to hit 60 mph

The National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 6:54 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 7:15 p.m. for Blount County.

Look for golf-ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 6:53 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Brooksville, or near Blountsville, moving east at 40 mph,” according to the weather service. “People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include McLarty, Strawberry, Snead, Hendrix, Brooksville, Blountsville, Susan Moore, Altoona and Walnut Grove.

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

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek 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.
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 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. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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

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.

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 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.

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

Three children dead after Florida crash involving Alabama driver

Three children are dead following a wreck in Washington County, Florida on Thursday afternoon.

According to WTVY, a Georgia woman was traveling on State Road 79 when her SUV was struck by a pickup truck driven by an Alabama man. The woman had four children in the car with her.

Both vehicles left the road before hitting an embankment but the SUV struck a tree and proceeded to flip over, the report said.

The Alabama driver sustained minor injuries but two of the children were pronounced dead at the scene while another died at a local hospital.

The condition of the remaining survivors is unknown as authorities continue to investigate the crash.

General

What Kalen DeBoer wants from his next QB

Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer has not yet shared who will be his starting quarterback in 2025, but the coach made clear what he wants from whoever gets the job.

DeBoer joined Tide 100.9 on Thursday after the third and final scrimmage of the spring, and he didn’t mince words what he’s coveting from his next signal caller.

“I think a lot of it is, we want that playmaker,” DeBoer said. “We want that guy … I don’t want just a game manager out there. If we’re going to win at the level we want to win at, we want a guy who’s going to produce and make the big plays. Obviously there’s a piece too where you can’t make the big mistakes. Especially in critical moments; whether it’s in the red zone, end of games, end of halves, things like that.”

To make sure Alabama has someone capable of getting those things done, several coaches are working with the group, including offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan.

“Nick Sheridan and Ryan Grubb just do an amazing job working together, guiding these guys in the right direction,” DeBoer said.

Alabama will hold A-Day on Saturday, which will also be formatted like a practice, not a game. It will provide a glimpse of Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

As for where the competition stands heading into A-Day, DeBoer said all three are getting better. There doesn’t seem to be a clear answer yet, though.

“People want to know a decision and things like that,” DeBoer said. “For us, you don’t feel like they’re to the point where there’s separation, where there’s a ceiling that they’ve hit. I think it would be pretty foolish for us to make a decision right now. We have plenty of time still to work through it and let these guys continue to work through the summer.”

DeBoer said all three are talented and he loves “the direction they’re going.”

“Similar in being able to pass and that kind of being the priority as far as what they do but also different in a few things and how they get the ball moved down the field sometimes and what their favorite throws are and so forth,” DeBoer said. “That keeps us from having to, because they are so similar, worry about changing who we are, what our philosophy is, so we’re just going to let these guys continue to compete. They do it in a healthy way. They’re there for each other, but they’re also competing. Love what they’re doing. A lot of positives.”

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

General

Thunderstorms with penny-sized hail in Calhoun and Cleburne counties Thursday, winds gusting up to 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 5:45 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:30 p.m. for Calhoun and Cleburne counties.

The storms may bring penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 5:45 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Heflin, moving east at 35 mph,” according to 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 Edwardsville, Muscadine, I 20 Welcome Center, Fruithurst, Sweetwater Lake, Coleman Lake And Campground and Heflin.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for east central Alabama.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

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’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 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

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:

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:

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.

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:

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

Montgomery police officer charged with electronic solicitation of a child

A Montgomery police officer is under arrest on a child sex charge.

Nicholas Zachary, 22, was charged Thursday with electronic solicitation of a child, the department announced.

The investigation began on March 27, said MPD Sgt. Tina McGriff. Zachary was placed on administrative leave at that time.

Details of his alleged crime have not yet been made public.

Zachary joined the department in 2024 and was assigned to the Training and Career Development Bureau.

General

Alabama QB battle update from Kalen DeBoer before A-Day

Alabama football doesn’t sound like it will have any clarity on its quarterback situation soon.

Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer joined Tide 100.9 on Thursday after the third and final scrimmage of the spring, and he shared the latest on the competition between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

“The biggest thing is, all of them are getting better, which is what you hope and need and expect,” DeBoer said. “For us, people want to know a decision and things like that. For us, you don’t feel like they’re to the point where there’s separation, where there’s a ceiling that they’ve hit. I think it would be pretty foolish for us to make a decision right now. We have plenty of time still to work through it and let these guys continue to work through the summer.”

DeBoer noted that would take Alabama into fall camp, where more reps (and competition) will occur.

“They’re all three very talented, and love the direction they’re going,” DeBoer said. “Similar in being able to pass and that kind of being the priority as far as what they do but also different in a few things and how they get the ball moved down the field sometimes and what their favorite throws are and so forth. That keeps us from having to, because they are so similar, worry about changing who we are, what our philosophy is, so we’re just going to let these guys continue to compete. They do it in a healthy way. They’re there for each other, but they’re also competing. Love what they’re doing. A lot of positives.”

As part of the interview, DeBoer also shared the type of role he wants the quarterback to fill.

Alabama will hold A-Day on Saturday, which will formatted like a practice, not a game.

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

General

Former state worker charged with child porn after suspicious letters sent to Alabama lawmakers, Ivey

A former state employee has been charged in a series of pornographic images sent to several Alabama lawmakers and Gov. Kay Ivey.

John Henry Watson Jr., 54, of Dothan, is charged with four counts of dissemination of child pornography, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced Thursday.

Watson was a driver license examiner assigned to ALEA’s Driver License Division, ALEA Lt. Jeremy Burket said. He was placed on leave Wednesday, and resigned Thursday in lieu of termination.

Watson was booked into the Houston County Jail where he is being held without bond.

The images – which court documents say included minors engaged in sex acts with each other – were sent to three Alabama lawmakers who sponsored a bill to require pornographic websites to use age verification received letters today containing pornographic images.

Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, said the images came in a manila envelope found on their desks Wednesday.

The letters included a name and return address of a P.O. Box in Dothan.

Robbins said Reps. Susan DuBose of Hoover and David Faulkner of Mountain Brook, who co-sponsored the bill last year, also received the envelopes.

Robbins told AL.com the sender was apparently trying to show that such images can still be found on social media despite their bill, which passed and became law.

The bill, HB164, signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey a year ago, says: “Any commercial entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes sexual material harmful to minors through an adult website shall use a reasonable age-verification method to provide reasonable assurance that individuals under 18 years of age cannot access the material harmful to minors.”

A bond hearing for Watson is set for later this month.

AL.com reporter Mike Cason contributed to this report.

General

Update: Thunderstorms with quarter-sized hail and damaging winds in Cherokee County Thursday, gusts up to 60 mph

The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 5:39 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Cherokee County.

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

“At 5:39 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Pleasant Gap, or 7 miles north of Piedmont, moving east at 45 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 Coloma, Pleasant Gap, Forney, Spring Garden, Piedmont and Eastern Weiss Lake.

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

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.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

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

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, 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

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:

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 drive with care:

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:

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 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.