Alabama News

General News

General

Thunderstorms with damaging winds and nickel-sized hail in Geneva County Thursday

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 4:03 p.m. in effect until 4:45 p.m. for Geneva County.

The storms are packing nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 4:03 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Samson, or 13 miles southeast of Opp, moving southeast at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Geneva, Samson, Paxton, Hacoda, Gordon, Leonia, Gaskin, Barker Store, Lytle, Darlington, Marl, Arrant Settlement, Logan Field Municipal A/P, Sweetgum Head, Royals Crossroads, Glendale, Lakewood, Vaughanville, Ganer and Somerset.

The weather service adds, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert 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 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.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

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

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. 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

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

Beware of swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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

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

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

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 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

New MLB Nike ‘Lights Out’ collection just released for the red-hot Chicago Cubs

As the 2025 MLB season nears its midpoint, the Chicago Cubs are amongst the elite teams. With the Cubs on a three-game win streak and the New York Mets losing their last four, the Cubs moved up to the second-best record in the league at 45-28. They only trail the MLB-best Detroit Tigers.

The Cubs have been pumping out tons of new gear for players and fans recently. Whether it’s the Stars and Stripes collection or All-Star game apparel, Cubs fans have plenty of options to choose from for new gear.

Throw another hat into the ring, as Nike and MLB debuted their ‘Lights Out’ collection, as each team gets an all-black look. The entire Cubs collection can be viewed here.

Here’s some of the gear listed for the Cubs ‘Lights Out’ collection:

All of the items above are eligible for free shipping with code “24SHIP” at checkout.

General

Mattresses sold on Amazon recalled for fire risk: How to get full refund

Affordable mattresses sold on Amazon are being recalled due to fire hazard.

Crayan Mattresses, a Chinese mattress brand sold exclusively on Amazon, is recalling about 100,000 products that fail to meet flammability requirements.

According to an alert from the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued June 18, the recalled mattresses don’t meet federal safety standards and can pose a “deadly fire hazard.”

No injuries or incidents have been reported.

The recall applies to 10-inch and 12-inch mattresses sold in twin, full, king and queen sizes. The mattresses come compressed in a box and typically sell for between $100 and $220.

The mattresses were sold online on Amazon.com from July 2022 through June 2024.

The commission says all owners should immediately stop using the mattresses and contact the company for instructions on how to get a full refund.

Consumers can reach Crayan at 779-605-4458 or [email protected].

The recall number is 25-344.

General

Alabama family fights for mom detained by ICE: ‘They are tearing families apart’

The son of a Fort Payne woman detained by immigration authorities is fighting to bring her home.

David Miguel says his mother, Micaela Pascual, was detained in early May while trying to renew her work permit. She is now being held in Louisiana and Miguel is fundraising money to try to keep her in the country.

Authorities, he claimed, targeted her for a “self-deportation incident” in 2013.

“At that time, she had five children that she was raising in the U.S.,” Miguel wrote in a GoFundMe post. “What was she supposed to do? Take us with her? Leave us with the government? Of course not, she chose to stay.”

Pascual is one of many undocumented Alabamians detained by immigration officials in recent months.

In June, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained dozens of people at scheduled meetings in Homewood and Gadsden, advocates told AL.com. More and more counties across the state also have signed on to help the agency detain and jail immigrants.

Miguel told WAFF48 News that his mother applied for legal asylum in 2013, but a judge informed her she’d have to leave the country until the documents cleared. She sought a work visa instead, he said. For more than a decade, she had no issues at annual check-ins.

She is now being held at a processing center in southern Louisiana, according to the station.

“They are tearing families apart; ICE took away a mother of six, and she still has an 11-year-old child in the U.S.,” he wrote. “How do you explain to an 11-year-old that ICE took their mother away and that they won’t be able to see her for a while? There isn’t a right way to say it.”’

Pascual came to the U.S. at the age of 19 from Guatemala in search of a better life for her family. Miguel said she has worked hard and paid her taxes, just like any American.

So far, he has raised more than $6,000 of his $10,000 goal, which he plans to use for legal expenses. If his mother is ultimately deported, he hopes to be able to help her set up a life in Guatemala, “where she has very few resources,” he said.

“She is a great example of an immigrant who came here to work and contribute to society. However, the government doesn’t see her that way; they don’t recognize her as a dedicated worker, a mother, or a human being. Instead, they only see an illegal immigrant.”

General

Anticipate marble-sized hail with thunderstorms in Southwest Alabama Thursday – wind gusts reaching 40 mph

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:37 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3 p.m. for Monroe, Escambia and Baldwin counties.

The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).

“At 2:37 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 15 miles west of McCullough, or 19 miles southeast of Jackson, moving southeast 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 weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

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

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

Lightning safety plan:

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

Indoors safety measures:

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

Wait for the all-clear:

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

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

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

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

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

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

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:

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:

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 impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered 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

Marble-sized hail expected with thunderstorms to hit South Alabama Thursday – winds gusting up to 40 mph

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:34 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw and Covington counties.

Anticipate marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:28 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 5 miles southwest of Georgiana, or 13 miles northeast of Evergreen, moving southeast at 25 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Georgiana, McKenzie, River Falls, Red Level, Dozier, Heath and Gantt.

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

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 vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’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 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

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:

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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

Choose your lane wisely:

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

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by 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:

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.

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

Look for damaging winds and quarter-sized hail with thunderstorms in Dale County Thursday – gusts up to 60 mph

On Thursday at 2:36 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 3:15 p.m. for Dale County.

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

“At 2:36 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Ariton, or 9 miles north of Fort Novosel, moving east at 20 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 Ozark, Fort Novosel, Ariton, Greater Salem Church, Skipperville, Dill, Rocky Head, Mabson, Arguta, Ewell, Beamon, Dale County Lake, Marley Hill, Blackwell Field A/p, Dillard and Ward Bridge.

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

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

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

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek 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 without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

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

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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

Choose your lane wisely:

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

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:

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:

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.

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

Alabama lawyer calls Trump legal aid cuts ‘a war on the poor’ as thousands face losing help

Alabama lawyers are raising the alarm about a provision in President Donald Trump’s proposed budget that would make it harder for low-income families, veterans and senior citizens to receive legal aid in court cases.

The Legal Services of Alabama, a nonprofit that helps low-income people manage legal issues related to domestic violence, evictions, health care and more, receives almost all of its funding from the federal government. Trump’s budget would zero out that funding.

“(We’re) giving voice to those who have no voice,” said Guy Lescault, who runs Legal Services of Alabama. “The senior who is not getting other Social Security or the veteran who isn’t getting their benefits.”

The Trump administration has proposed cutting almost all funding for the Legal Services Corporation, a national organization founded in 1974. It supports legal aid to 5 million Americans each year, according to the group.

Legal Services Alabama gets $8.9 million from the national organization each year, and would lose 73% of its funds if Trump’s budget is approved.

The rest of its funding also comes from other federal sources that also are in jeopardy. Alabama does not send any state funding to the organization, unlike other states.

Lescault said if his group disappears, the court system will become clogged with people who can’t afford attorneys trying to represent themselves.

“I call it a war on poverty,” he said, “Not the war, it’s a war on the poor because they are the ones that are going to be most impacted by it.”

Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ aims to drastically reduce government spending. Critics say cuts to SNAP, research funding, education and other programs would hurt people in Alabama and across the country.

Legal Services Alabama has also advocated against cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, saying a reduction in benefits would increase the number of people facing evictions, bankruptcy and other legal issues.

Last year in Alabama, the group helped 14,944 Alabamians who reached out through its call line.

Legal Services Alabama represented Alabamians in a lawsuit about delays in unemployment payments during COVID-19 that went up to the U.S. Supreme court last year. The court ruled in the group’s favor.

Already this year, the group lost a quarter of a million dollars of federal funds from a grant focused on helping people who do not have titles to their land, called heir’s property.

“The reason for the notification, which we received on April 15, was that it had the word ‘climate’ in it,” Lescault said.

Lescault said Rep. Terri Sewell is advocating for legal aid funding to be restored to the federal budget.

General

Weather alert for strong thunderstorms in Southeast Alabama Thursday afternoon – wind gusts reaching 40 mph

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:01 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3 p.m. for Coffee, Dale and Henry counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Lakepoint Resort State Park to Glenwood. Movement was east at 15 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Daleville, Elba, Abbeville, Fort Gaines, Cuthbert, Fort Novosel, Enterprise, Headland, Ozark, Georgetown, Dothan, Midland City, Level Plains, Newton, New Brockton, Shellman, Ariton, Pinckard, Lee and Clayhatchee.

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

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

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

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

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:

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

Slow down and drive with care:

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 impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered 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

Alabama man charged with drugging, sexually abusing girl released from jail on bond

A Blount County man charged with drugging and sexually torturing a young child has posted bond after four years in jail.

Ronald Shane Crow, 48, was arrested in May 2021 on charges of 13 crimes including sodomy, rape, false imprisonment and chemical endangerment. He was released from the Blount County jail after posting a $200,000 bond June 5, according to the sheriff’s office.

He will remain on an ankle monitor and must stay with his mother in Trafford.

“We understand that releases on bond can raise questions and concerns in the community, but it’s important to note that bond is a legal right and part of the judicial process—not a decision made by the Sheriff’s Office,” the office said in a statement June 18.

“We remain committed to transparency and public safety while respecting the due process rights of all individuals under the law.”

According to charging documents, a girl under the age of 10 was taken to Children’s of Alabama on May 1 after she displayed signs of drug use after staying at Crow’s home. Once at the hospital, she tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines, according to court records.

The victim, whose relationship to Crow was not disclosed in court documents, told authorities that Crow gave her the controlled substances. She indicated to investigators she had stayed at Crow’s home multiple times at night over a period of time.

During those stays, she said, Crow had both sexual intercourse and oral sex with her. She also described how he sexually assaulted her with an undisclosed object.

At least twice, the victim told investigators, Crow tied her up, put a bag over her head and choked her. “He also placed a gun in the middle of her eyes and told her that would kill her if she told anyone,’’ the affidavit states.

Crow pleaded not guilty in 2022 and remained in jail while the case moved forward.

The district attorney at the time requested Crow be held without Bond, stating in court records that he had seven prior felony and eight prior misdemeanor convictions.

Local law enforcement agencies are legally required to comply with all court orders and bond laws. Now-retired Judge Steven King set Crow’s bond in 2022, according to court documents.