Alabama State News

WATCH: Gov. Ivey and other officials visit Alabama coastal areas impacted by Hurricane Sally

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:33:55 +0000

Update 11:33 a.m. (09/18/2020) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday visits Alabama’s coastal areas impacted by Hurricane Sally.

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday will visit Alabama’s coastal areas impacted by Hurricane Sally.

Upon arrival in Gulf Shores, Ivey will do a helicopter flyover of the destruction in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. Following the flyover, the governor, Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) Director Brian Hastings, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Commissioner Chris Blankenship, Governor’s Office staff members and Congressman Bradley Byrne will join various local officials for a closed briefing.

At noon, Ivey will hold a press conference at the Gulf State Park Lodge (Terrace) to provide an update on Alabama’s recovery efforts. After departing the Gulf State Park Lodge, Ivey will do a helicopter flyover tour over Dauphin Island. Following the flyover, the governor, AEMA Director Hastings, ADCNR Commissioner Blankenship and Governor’s Office staff members will join various local officials for a closed briefing.

At 3 p.m., Ivey will hold a press conference at Dauphin Island City Hall to provide an update on Alabama’s recovery efforts.

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Tracking the Tropics: Tropical Depression 22 could become Tropical Storm Beta soon

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:50:19 +0000

Tropical Depression 22 is still a fairly disorganized storm, but through today, it’s expected to strengthen enough to become a tropical storm. When it’s named, it’ll become Beta with Wilfred forming in the Atlantic and Subtropical Cyclone Alpha near Portugal.

Latest forecast track of Tropical Depression 22.

The official forecast track for TD 22 shows the strengthening today, then a slow trudge to the north through the weekend. It’s forecast to become a hurricane by Monday and slowly drift to the west toward Texas. While the storm doesn’t appear it will impact us here in Central Alabama or the Gulf coast that was hit hard by Hurricane Sally, we need to watch it very closely over the coming days.

Here are the key messages from the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Depression Twenty-Two is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm, and possibly a hurricane, while moving slowly over the western Gulf of Mexico during the next few days.

While it is too early to determine what areas could see direct wind, storm surge, and rainfall impacts from this system, interests throughout the western Gulf of Mexico should monitor the progress of this system and future updates to the forecast.

Prattville Police Chase Ends in Montgomery

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:00:46 +0000

Prattville police and ALEA Agents were involved in a police chase Friday morning.

Prattville police attempted to stop a vehicle. The suspect then reversed towards the officer and his unit. A pursuit was initiated which continued on I-65 South with the state troopers helping.

The suspect was stopped on I-85 North between Exit 4 and Exit 6 and taken into custody.

No injuries have been reported nor any vehicle damage has been reported at this time.

This case is under review, and the name of the suspect and charges are pending the review. We will provide an update when it is available.

Categories: Crime, News

Tags: Alabama State Troopers, ALEA Troopers, police chase, prattville police department

Alabama State Fair opens Friday with COVID-19 guidelines

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:06:02 +0000

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — This year, the Alabama State Fair will be held in the in-field at the Birmingham Race Track starting Friday.

Mark Lovell, the fair director, said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, they still wanted to make the fair possible so they implemented CDC and health department guidelines.

Those who attend the fair will get a temperature check at the gate and be required to wear a face mask, unless eating. There will also be strict rules on social distancing and to keep a 6-foot distance from those not in your party.

Lovell said he knows it’s an inconvenience to some, but said this is what needs to be done to keep the doors open.

“This thing is like juggling cats. It’s constantly changing and of course we watch a lot of news and read the CDC website constantly, staying on directions for that so what we’ve done is implement the fair with a safe protocol to run the event and i think that’s what we’ve done,” Lovell said.

Lovell said they also provide a big economic boost to the local area, so he knows this is important to people for several reasons.

“Some are economical. Some are mental. A lot of folks are stir crazy right now. They’re getting out, they’re confined and need some quality time with family. This is a great quality event to come and spend time with family. The economic impact on the city and the state, we create a huge economic impact for this area. We hire several companies, security, vendors and food. We hire folks that sell tickets, take tickets. Folks pick up trash,” he said.

The gates open on Friday at 4 p.m. For more information on the guidelines and ticket price, click here.

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Superbike rider Herrin ready to race for fans at Barber Motorsports Park

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:21:04 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — It’s not the championship weekend it was originally scheduled to be for MotoAmerica Superbike riders at Barber Motorsports Park this weekend. But that doesn’t diminish the excitement for rider Josh Herrin.

Herrin, who rides the No. 2 Scheibe Racing BMW Superbike, grew up in Georgia and has been racing at Barber since 2004. He says the layout always leads to great racing, but there’s much more to this track than the competition.

“I own a Go-Kart track in Georgia, or my family does,” Herrin said. “I’m really big on the whole landscaping side of it, making it presentable and everything. So when I come to Barber, it’s cool because it’s not just a race track, it looks like a well-maintained golf course or resort.”

He also likes seeing fans sitting on the hills that cover the grounds at Barber. And he’ll have a chance to see them this weekend at the track, which is allowing fans. They’ve been absent from some other tracks in a season that’s been altered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They’re almost like family like me, because I’ve been traveling to the same tracks for 15 years,” Herrin said. “So it becomes like a circus – you see the same people over and over, and you get close with them. So it’s weird going to tracks and not seeing those people. So I’m happy that we’re racing here at Barber, and we get to see all the fans.”

The season also has been defined by schedule changes. Because of postponements, there will be two more race weekends following the races here. This would have been the weekend a champion was crowned.

But changes with the fans have had the biggest impact for Herrin, who said he misses the autograph sessions that have been eliminated this year. Fans can interact with the competitors in Superbike much more than in most other sports. Herrin said it was his favorite part of attending a race when he was a child.

“That’s been the weirdest part of it, is not being able to interact with the fans as much as we’d like,” he said. “They’re there so it’s nice because we get the support. At a track like Barber, they’re close and there’s lots of hills that they can sit on so we can see them cheering for us. But it’s been weird not being able to interact with them.”

The races are today through Sunday. For more information, click here.

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Tracking the Tropics: Tropical Depression 22 set to become Wilfred later today

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:39:55 +0000

Tropical Depression 22 is still a fairly disorganized storm, but through today, it’s expected to strengthen enough to become a tropical storm. When it’s named, it’ll be called Wilfred. Just a note..this is the last name on the list for the Atlantic hurricane season. If we have any more tropical storms or hurricanes, which is inevitable, we will start naming storms according to the Greek alphabet.

Latest forecast track of Tropical Depression 22.

Here are the key messages from the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Depression Twenty-Two is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm, and possibly a hurricane, while moving slowly over the western Gulf of Mexico during the next few days.

Democratic and Republican leaders express willingness to work together on stimulus relief bill

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 10:28:32 +0000

WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — After weeks of stalled negotiations on a new stimulus relief bill, Democratic and Republican leaders both expressed a willingness to work together again but they are still hundreds of billions of dollars apart from each other and from the White House, on their respective stimulus measures.

“We want to have an agreement. And we will stay until we have an agreement,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a Thursday morning press conference focused on the importance of testing.

Pelosi asserts Democrats have been the more flexible party on negotiations for a stimulus package.

Under her leadership, Democrats’ HEROES ACT called for more than $3 trillion for various stimulus measures. Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer have since come down to a $2.2 trillion package.

“We have compromised,” said Pelosi. “We came down a trillion dollars, we asked them to go up a trillion dollars. Instead they went down.”

Republicans’ most recent stimulus package, introduced last week in the Senate, totaled somewhere between $500 billion and $700 billion. The bill, according to sources within Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office, called for $300 billion in new spending and hundreds of billions more in additional funding that was repurposed from previous stimulus measures.

The Republican bill is about $800 billion less than where President Trump stands. The President expressed support for larger deal worth $1.5 trillion Wednesday.

“Oh I want to be back at the negotiating table,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “I don’t believe Speaker Pelosi actually wants to come to an agreement.”

In a policy reversal, McCarthy says Republicans are willing to compromise on some Democrat priorities like adding funding for struggling state and local governments. The most recent GOP stimulus bill had no money for state and local governments. When asked if that may change, McCarthy said they already put $100 billion towards the states.

“No, we put $100 billion already toward the states,” said McCarthy. “I think the states need help and assistance, we’re more than willing to help with that.”

“It’s a moving target right now,” said Alabama Republican Gary Palmer.

Palmer said he wants a deal, but said Democrats included too many non-pandemic related issues in their bill.

“It needs to be directly related to what the businesses and states are dealing with,” said Palmer

Michigan Democrat Dan Kildee says both sides agree on many of the most important priorities like funding for testing, schools and unemployment. He said Republicans, mainly Sen. McConnell, have to meet Democrats halfway on spending.

“He was at a trillion, now he’s at a half a trillion. Back home we’d call that bad faith negotiation,” said Kildee.

Front Dropping South Today; Waiting on Wilfred in Gulf

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 10:19:01 +0000

FRIDAY FRONT: A cold front will push south through the state today in a mostly dry fashion and that will bring a cooler air mass of the weekend. However, for today, the day should be mainly cloudy, with the chance of a rouge shower or two as the front passes through, but these are unlikely. Highs today will be in the low to mid-80s again.

THE WEEKEND: Cooler, drier settles into the state for the weekend, and we are in store for some truly delightful fall weather, for this official last weekend of summer. Both Saturday and Sunday we expect highs in the upper 70s with lows ranging from the upper 50s to low 60s. The sky will feature more clouds than sun, due to tropical moisture in the upper-levels, streaming in from the southwest in part to our new tropical system in the Gulf, however, the lower levels of the atmosphere will remain relatively dry, and any shower activity will be few and far between.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWENTY-TWO: At 400 AM CDT, the center of Tropical Depression Twenty-Two was located near latitude 22.9 North, longitude 94.1 West. The depression is moving toward the north-northeast near 6 mph, and this general motion is expected through early Saturday. A slow westward motion is forecast to begin late Saturday that will likely continue into early next week.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today. The system could be near or at hurricane strength by Sunday. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb (29.68 inches).

NEXT WEEK: As we roll out of summer and into fall next week, as the autumnal equinox occurs Tuesday, the weather for Alabama, looks amazing. Sunny comfortable days, clear cool nights through the week. Highs in the 70s Monday through Wednesday, followed by low 80s Thursday and Friday. Lows will be in the 50s most of the week…Certainly feeling like fall as we start fall.

Have a fantastic Friday and wonderful weekend!!!
Ryan

Categories: Daily Forecast, Weather

Tracking the Tropics: Tropical Depression Twenty Two forms in the Gulf.

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 04:43:30 +0000

Tropical Depression Twenty Two formed tonight and it will meander northward on Friday and Saturday. This will produce rain potentially late Sunday into Monday for the southern coast of Texas

Right now, TD 22 will strengthen to a Tropical Storm on Friday and may even become a Category 1 storm before landfall near Brownsville, Texas. The storm will have little, if any impact at all along the central Gulf coast.

The CBS 42 Storm Team will be tracking this system closely.

Travel agencies cope with closures from Hurricane Sally

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 03:18:17 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The devastation of Hurricane Sally is being felt across the Gulf Coast along Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan.

Since Hurricane Sally passed, travel agencies in these areas have been hard at work dealing with the demand for a 10-day closure in these areas while recovery efforts continue.

Clay Ingram with AAA Alabama says tourism has taken a big hit with thousands of people affected with the high amount of damages and closures from the storm.

He adds many of the tourist facilities are not sure if they will be able to reopen in 10 days, and that can be challenging for visitors when rescheduling. Ingram says rebooking and refunding is a major concern for customers right now.

“It’s kind of a case by case basis, however, the hotels and condos are usually pretty good about refunding your money if they aren’t open for you to come outstay or maybe giving you a credit of some kind,” Ingram said.

Ingram adds using a travel agent can be useful to receive your best benefits when natural disasters do occur.

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Multiple reports of stolen catalytic converters in south Talladega County

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 03:05:43 +0000

TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — There have been a series of thefts of catalytic converters in Talladega County. Four different locations have reported similar incidents.

Sgt. Investigator Al Crow is overseeing the investigation. He says the first of these thefts began one month ago, and the most recent report was submitted Thursday morning.

“We have received several reports, all the way up to today as a matter of fact, in reference to the same thing,” Sgt. Crow said.

A small church in Childersburg had the catalytic converter taken from their church bus. A few vehicles at Ponder Plumbing in Sylacauga had the same thing happen.

“This is what they cut out on one of the vehicles,” said Adam Ponder, the business owner as he pointed to the damage. “Cut the catalytic converter off with a saw.”

Ponder estimated the damages and stolen items from his property to be roughly $10,000.

“As someone who tries to give back to the community, this just takes away the money that we have to give back to the community,” said Ponder.

Ponder said this isn’t the first time criminals paid him a visit. He has surveillance cameras throughout his property, which show the criminals in the distance with flashlights. The video was handed over to the Talladega County Sheriff’s office as evidence.

The sheriff’s office is working alongside Childersburg police to see if there is a connection between the thefts.

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Former Spain Park basketball player Parker Boswell dies

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 02:40:20 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Former Spain Park basketball star Parker Boswell has passed away.

Boswell’s passing was announced by Spain Park basketball coach Chris Laatsch Thursday evening.

The worst news a Coach could ever receive! Parker, you will be missed! Prayers for the Boswell family and MANY people impacted and influenced by Parker! #heartbroken pic.twitter.com/n2MuziiDgo
— Chris Laatsch (@CLaatsch11) September 17, 2020

Boswell was named to the 2018-19 All-County team as a senior.

No other information has been released at this time.

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Former Spain Park basketball player Parker Boswell dies in car accident

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 02:03:05 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Former Spain Park basketball star Parker Boswell was killed in a car accident.

Boswell’s passing was announced by Spain Park basketball coach Chris Laatsch Thursday evening. A source told CBS 42 that he was killed in a car accident.

The worst news a Coach could ever receive! Parker, you will be missed! Prayers for the Boswell family and MANY people impacted and influenced by Parker! #heartbroken pic.twitter.com/n2MuziiDgo
— Chris Laatsch (@CLaatsch11) September 17, 2020

Boswell was named to the 2018-19 All-County team as a senior.

No other information has been released at this time.

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Amazon hiring 100,000 new employees, hundreds of openings expected in Bessemer

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 01:05:10 +0000

BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT)– Amazon announced Monday that the company would be hiring for 100,000 new jobs nationwide.

The Vice President of Workforce Development Ardine Williams says hundreds of jobs are expected at the new fulfillment center in Bessemer.

The jobs start at $15/hour with benefits for full-time employees.

To help fill the jobs, Amazon hosted an online career day where top executives offered career advice and resume building tips.

You can view the training here.

Apply for jobs with Amazon here.

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ADPH unanimously classifies tianeptine as class II drug, banning it from being sold over the counter

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:33:10 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Department of Public Health Board of Directors unanimously passed a ruling that would reclassify tianeptine as a class II drug in the state.

Tianeptine is a highly addictive, synthetic drug that gives a euphoric high and strong withdrawal symptoms. It is the main ingredient in a supplement commonly sold in gas stations known as Tianaa.

The ruling by ADPH will now ban the over the counter selling of tianeptine or any products it is found in.

According to ADPH, the drug has also been refused several times by the FDA to be sold by prescription from physicians.

There is now a 45 day window where the ruling can be challenged and asked to be heard at a Legislative review hearing.

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Tracking the Tropics:Tropical Depression forming the Gulf.

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:28:05 +0000

Tracking the Tropics…to the Gulf we go first…There is yet another area of interest likely to become a tropical storm within the next 2-5 days. Right now, very little has changed as this area of low pressure swirls over the western Gulf.

Likely to become a tropical depression tonight it will meander northward on Friday and Saturday. This will produce rain potentially late Sunday into Monday for the central Gulf coast.

Right now, pin point forecasts are a challenge and there is a still a good amount of uncertainty with this system. Will there be more land interaction? will the upper level winds help aid in development? Will the warm Gulf water remain fuel for this storm?

Despite the forecast challenges, the CBS 42 Storm Team will be tracking this system closely.

Selma Church Gives Away 100 Hot Meals

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:10:49 +0000

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A Selma church provides hot meals for dozens of people in the community — in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Free meals were given away to a hundred people at Vasser’s Mini Mart in Selma Thursday morning — thanks to a random act of kindness — by members of Northside Baptist Church.

“I am very thankful for the blessing that we have received here today. I come out to get breakfast and what a surprise lunch was already taken care of,” said Mary Craig.

It’s the fourth time church has given away hot meals to people in the community since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“We thought that we could do three things, we could pray, we could love and we could help. And this is part of the helping,” said Gene Hisel.

“God wants us to serve everyone in all different ways. And one of the ways that we can do is to give a hot meal right now,” said Kathy Smith.

Church members say providing the meals is also a way to reach out to the community — to share the gospel — and the love of Christ.

A fifth hot meal giveaway is already in the works. However, a specific date for the event — hasn’t been set.

Categories: Coronavirus, News, West Alabama

Tags: covid-19, Northside Baptist Church, Vasser’s Mini Mart

Tracking the Tropics: More Activity Possible in the Gulf. And Teddy now a Cat 4.

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:02:24 +0000

Body found on Carraway Boulevard, investigation underway

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:02:12 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A body has been found in north Birmingham Thursday evening.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, the body was located in the 2400 block of Carraway Boulevard.

It is being ruled an unclassified death at this time, according to Sgt. Rod Mauldin.

No other information has been released as this is an ongoing investigation.

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Chance Of Showers Over The Weekend

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:23:50 +0000

Sally has moved on but the circulation on the backside of the tropical system is keeping clouds over our area. These will continue to thin out with time. Overnight is looking fairly mild under a mostly cloudy sky. Temps will fall off into the upper 60s. We expect a partly sunny sky with only a slight chance of a shower Friday. Temps will easily climb back into the mid 80s for highs. Mean while, a tropical disturbance over of the SW gulf is trying to develop into a depression or storm over the next few days. Either way, tropical moisture looks to spread northward and might arrive over us Saturday into Sunday. We will carry a chance for showers throughout the weekend. Heading into next week, high pressure settles over the deep south and we clear out and cool down. Morning lows could be rather refreshing with mid to upper 50s possible. The entire week is looking like a hint of fall with mild temps and clear skies.

Categories: Daily Forecast

Amazon hiring 100,000 new employees, hundreds of openings expected at Bessemer Fulfillment Center

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:50:51 +0000

BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT)– Amazon announced Monday that the company would be hiring for 100,000 new jobs nationwide.

The Vice President of Workforce Development Ardine Williams says hundreds of jobs are expected at the new fulfillment center in Bessemer.

The jobs start at $15/hour with benefits for full-time employees.

To help fill the jobs, Amazon hosted an online career day where top executives offered career advice and resume building tips.

You can view the training here.

Apply for jobs with Amazon here.

Department of Agriculture & Industries Launches Hurricane Sally Damage Assessment Survey

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:49:42 +0000

Prior to and after Hurricane Sally hit our state, the Department of Agriculture and Industries has been hard at work to assist Alabama farmers and consumers. The Department is gathering information from farmers who experienced agricultural damage from the excessive winds, rainfall and flooding caused by Hurricane Sally.

To collect the most accurate damage assessments, the Department has established an online reporting survey to simplify the process for producers who have experienced agricultural damage. Producers should visit agi.alabama.gov/HurricaneSally to complete the survey.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who experienced significant damage during this powerful hurricane.” He continued, “Alabama farmers have already faced economic hardships this year due to market instability, trade concerns and the coronavirus pandemic.”

To complete the survey of agriculture damage from Hurricane Sally, please visit agi.alabama.gov/HurricaneSally.

Categories: News

“Forrest Gump” Author Winston Groom Dies

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:41:32 +0000

Alabama native and “Forrest Gump” author Winston Groom has died.

Fairhope Mayor Karin Wilson posted the news on her Facebook page Thursday afternoon.

“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our dear friend Winston Groom,” said Mayor Wilson. “The City of Fairhope has lost an iconic author today. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Groom, who was from Fairhope, wrote the novel in 1986. It was later adapted into the movie starring Tom Hanks, Sally Field, and Gary Sinise.

Winston Groom was 77 years old.

Categories: Montgomery, News, South Alabama, Statewide

Tags: Fairhope, Forrest Gump, Winston Groom

$1.17 Million Grant Awarded to Statewide Program Using Specially Trained Dogs to Calm Traumatized Victims Before Testifying

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:40:26 +0000

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.17 million to continue and expand a statewide program that helps children and others who have been victims of crime feel more at ease when testifying in court or undergoing other crime-related interviews.

The grant to the will enable that state agency to continue its facility dog program. The program uses specially trained dogs to calm traumatized victims when they are called into the courtroom or interview room to recount details of often horrific crimes committed against them.

“I cannot imagine what victims, especially children, have to go through when they are called before strangers to recall what is often a very personal and sensitive tragedy that they have difficulty even relaying to family members,” Gov. Ivey said. “This program has proven beyond successful and has been admired and modeled by other states. I am pleased to support its continuation and expansion here in Alabama.”

Facility dogs have been used more than 1,000 times including forensic interviews, court hearings medical examinations and other case related matters. The dogs are based in several counties, but according to the Office of Prosecution Services, are available for use throughout the state.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice.

“The facility dog program has been vastly successful and well received throughout the state,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Although we would prefer that there would be no reason for this program to even exist, ADECA joins with Gov. Ivey in assisting with its continued success.”

Gov. Ivey notified Barry Matson, executive director of Prosecution Services, that the grant had been approved.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

Categories: News

Papa John’s Announces Plans for New Headquarters in Atlanta

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:16:17 +0000

Pizza purveyor Papa John’s has announced plans to move its global headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky to a yet-to-be-determined location in metro Atlanta. The move will bring 200 jobs to the Atlanta area.

The pizza delivery company said Thursday that the new headquarters and associated organizational changes are expected to be complete by next summer.

The move comes as the company charts a new strategic course after fallout with its founder, John Schnatter, and as its stock price rises amid growing demand brought on by changes in consumer behavior during the coronavirus pandemic.

Categories: News

Pike County Storm Cleanup Underway

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:15:14 +0000

Pike County is recovering from damage after the storm Wednesday.

We talked with EMA Director Herb Reeves who said most of the damage came from the heavy rain, resulting in flooding and several trees down.

County Road 22-21 off Henderson Highway was closed off throughout the night. A neighbor said the pond on that road was so full that barricades were put up to stop traffic from crossing, “We had lot of rain and wind,” Mynetter Smiley, Troy resident said. “We didn’t get any trees down in our yard, but as I was coming out, I saw this tree here. Our power went out until about an hour ago.”

“I think this one from a rainfall standpoint, it’s been years since I’ve seen this amount of rainfall in this short period of time,” Pike Road EMA Director Herb Reeves told us. “The wind was not that bad. It was a blowing rain. Everywhere you went, you’d get wet. I think it was a pretty significant storm for Pike County. It seemed like the clouds hovered over the county for a significant period of time.”

Reeves said they are finishing up assessing the damage Thursday. He said there are 82 roads that need work and some roads are still closed.

If you have any damage to report, the county has a system called ‘Rave Alert’ that sends out messages and keeps residents aware. You can communicate any problems through the rave alert system.

Tags: ABC 32, Alabama News Network, CBS 8, cleanup, damage, ema, hurricane sally, Pike County, storm, Troy

Winston Groom, ‘Forrest Gump’ author, Point Clear native dies

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:11:02 +0000

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) — Winston Groom, the famed author of “Forrest Gump” and Point Clear native, has died.

Fairhope Mayor Karin Wilson posted on Facebook Thursday about his passing.

“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our dear friend Winston Groom. The City of Fairhope has lost an iconic author today. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers,” Wilson wrote on Facebook.

Groom wrote the novel “Forrest Gump” in 1986, and it was adapted into the blockbuster movie that released in 1994 starring Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise and Robin Wright.

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Alabama, Auburn well represented on Coaches Preseason All-SEC teams

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:04:59 +0000

2020 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football Team (* – ties)

First Team Preseason All-SEC

OFFENSE

Kyle Pitts, Florida

Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
Trey Smith, Tennessee
Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
Landon Dickerson, Alabama

Drake Jackson, Kentucky

DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

Kyle Trask, Florida

Najee Harris, Alabama
Kylin Hill, Mississippi State

Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

DEFENSE

Bobby Brown, Texas A&M
LaBryan Ray, Alabama
Big Kat Bryant, Auburn
Jordan Davis, Georgia

Dylan Moses, Alabama
K.J. Britt, Auburn
Nick Bolton, Missouri

Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Derek Stingley, LSU
Richard LeCounte, Georgia
Jacoby Stevens, LSU

SPECIAL TEAMS

Brent Cimaglia, Tennessee

Max Duffy, Kentucky

Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

Second Team Preseason All-SEC

OFFENSE

Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M

Sadarius Hutcherson, South Carolina
Deonte Brown, Alabama
Landon Young, Kentucky
Austin Deculus, LSU*
Brodarious Hamm, Auburn*
Wanya Morris, Tennessee*
Ed Ingram, LSU*

Trey Hill, Georgia

George Pickens, Georgia
Terrace Marshall, LSU

Kellen Mond, Texas A&M

Rakeem Boyd, Arkansas
Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M

Derek Stingley, LSU

DEFENSE

Kobie Whiteside, Missouri
Malik Herring, Georgia
Aaron Sterling,South Carolina
Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt

Henry To’o To’o, Tennessee
Monty Rice, Georgia
Erroll Thompson, Mississippi State*
Nakobe Dean, Georgia*
Ventrell Miller, Florida*

Kaiir Elam, Florida
Eric Stokes, Georgia
Demani Richardson, Texas A&M
Tyree Gillespie, Missouri*
Marco Wilson, Florida*
Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina*

SPECIAL TEAMS

Cade York, LSU

Jake Camarda, Georgia

Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss

Third Team Preseason All-SEC

OFFENSE

Arik Gilbert, LSU

Carson Green, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
Evan Neal, Alabama
Dan Moore, Texas A&M

Landon Dickerson, Alabama

Seth Williams, Auburn
Elijah Moore, Ole Miss

Bo Nix, Auburn

Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss
Larry Rountree, Missouri

Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss*
Kadarius Toney, Florida*
Christian Tutt, Auburn*

DEFENSE

Zachary Carter, Florida
Josh Paschal, Kentucky
Kobe Jones, Mississippi State
Glen Logan, LSU

Boogie Watson, Kentucky
Dimitri Moore, Vanderbilt
Nolan Smith, Georgia*
Ernest Jones, South Carolina*
Andre Mintze, Vanderbilt*

Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
Bryce Thompson, Tennessee
Yusuf Corker, Kentucky
Christian Tutt, Auburn*
Josh Jobe, Alabama*

SPECIAL TEAMS

Evan McPherson, Florida

Mac Brown, Ole Miss

Christian Tutt, Auburn

Categories: Alabama, Auburn

Tags: Alabama, all-sec, Auburn, big kat bryant, coaches, devonta smith, dylan moses, leatherwood, patrick surtain, preseason, sec, waddle

Man Hit By Car on South Court Street

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:01:34 +0000

Montgomery Police Department is investigating an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Capt. Saba Coleman says it happened just before 3:00PM near the intersection of South Court Street and West Patton Ave.

Capt. Coleman says when officers and Montgomery Fire arrived on the scene, they made contact with the adult male pedestrian. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver was not injured and remained on the scene.

Categories: Montgomery, News

Tags: Montgomery Police, Pedestrian Struck, south court street, West Patton Avenue

Bessemer PD searching for missing man not seen in over a week

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 20:32:12 +0000

BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) — The Bessemer Police Department is searching for a man who has not been seen in over a week.

Earlie Palmer Jr., 39, was last seen near the 2900 block of 5th Avenue North on Sept. 9.

He was last seen wearing a camo jacket that says “Lewis” on the chest and a black baseball hat. He was also carrying a red backpack.

Authorities say Palmer suffers from a mental disorder and he may be combative.

If you have any information on Palmer’s whereabouts, contact Bessemer PD at 205-425-2411.

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Cowart Drugs in Calera turns 100

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 20:19:10 +0000

CALERA, Ala. (WIAT) — Cowart Drugs in Calera just turned 100 on Sept. 12. The pharmacy opened back in 1920.

It’s fourth and current owner, Kacie White, who grew up in the town of just under 15,000, said even though the area has grown and evolved, she and her staff keep a small-town mindset.

“We still try to make it a small-town feel,” Kacie White, Owner and Pharmacist at Cowart Drugs said. “We make everybody feel like family and we know them by names.”

White has worked at the drug store on Highway 31 since 2002, but since she took over ownership in 2014, Cowart’s has received national recognition.

She said even though the pharmacy has old bones, the store tries to stay current with their products.

“We still try to keep up to date with what is going on in pharmacy and medicine,” White said. “Just what people are looking toward. A lot of people don’t always look toward medicine for their health needs, they want to do it more natural. That’s why one of the reasons that we started offering the CBD and the vitamins we do.”

A Cowart Drug advertisement for CBD products sold at the pharmacy.

Yolanda McGee has been a customer at Cowart Drugs for over a decade. She said the customer service she gets there is unmatched.

“They go way above the call of duty,” McGee said.

She said when she comes in to pick up her medications, she says she’s greeted by name, gets her pills organized and feels at home.

“My pharmacist – hey, I wouldn’t trade her for nothing in the world,” she said.

And McGee is just one example. White and her staff have made countless connections in Calera.

“We’ve been to people’s weddings, graduations, we are just a big family.”

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University of Alabama renames Morgan Hall due to racist history of namesake

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 18:29:21 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — An academic building on campus at the University of Alabama named for a former Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan grand dragon has now been renamed.

On Thursday, the UA System Board of Trustees voted to change the name of Morgan Hall, the main English building on campus. The building is named after John Tyler Morgan, who later served in the U.S. Senate for six terms.

Judge John England, a member of the Board, said the building will now be called “The English Building.”

Over the years, there have been several efforts made to rename buildings on campus named after people who served in the Confederacy. In 2016, there was a movement to rename the building after Harper Lee, a Monroeville native who wrote the best-selling book “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

This story will be updated.

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Gov. Ivey urges patience as recovery from Hurricane Sally begins in Alabama

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 18:15:04 +0000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey urged people Thursday to please be patient and wait another day before trying to clean up Hurricane Sally’s aftermath.

In a Thursday morning news conference, Ivey said crews are still in the recovery and rescue stage of storm response and many first responders were overwhelmed with work. Crews were out Thursday working to restore power for the first time, she said, after staying busy the day before working to keep power to essential systems like hospitals and water systems.

“I know it’s uncomfortable and downright scary to be sitting in the darkness of your home without any lights, but please be patient,” she said.

Water rescue teams had performed dozens of rescues during the storm, officials said, but it seemed most people were able to get to safety before the hurricane hit.

“Sally was a very devastating, historic storm, and it seems like people heeded some of the warnings,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said “And I’m so pleased that people were able to get out of harm’s way.”

At least one person was reported killed in Orange Beach Wednesday. Another person had been reported missing.

Officials warned that the storm may be gone, but the threat of flooding remains. Hastings said rivers in the region were in danger of reaching flood stage throughout the weekend, and people should look for flooding updates from their local EMAs and the National Weather Service.

Hastings also said people should not go back to their homes until their area is deemed safe, and people should be careful during recovery – staying away from downed power lines and being careful operating tools like chainsaws.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor said people who are traveling south to check on beach homes and other property they may own should have identification and documentation proving they own property in the affected areas, so authorities will know to let them in. He also said people should avoid standing or moving water on roadways.

“As little as 12 inches will move a small car,” Taylor said. “You don’t know how deep it is. You don’t know if there’s a power line under it. Please do not go through standing water or moving water.”

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Sally Exits Stage Right; A Taste Of Fall This Weekend

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 17:51:16 +0000

Sally Exits stage right into Georgia/South Carolina today. The heaviest rain and gustiest winds are over now. However, spotty showers and wind gusts up to 20 mph remain possible today. Otherwise, expect a north-northwest wind around 10 to 15 mph with a mostly cloudy sky. High temperatures only warm into the low to mid 80s. A few breaks of sunshine are possible through the afternoon. The spotty showers taper off overnight, with a mostly cloudy sky and lows in the mid to upper 60s.

Expect a mostly cloudy sky on Friday. A cold front pushes through our area by Friday evening, but easterly flow and lingering moisture behind the front lend to spotty showers through the weekend. The front brings a taste of Fall, however, with highs in the upper 70s/low 80s Saturday through Tuesday. The weekend may feature more clouds than sun, but Monday and Tuesday could feature more sunshine. Some rain may return to our area next Wednesday and Thursday, but the chance looks low at this time.

A wrench in the mainly dry forecast for our area is an area of low pressure in the southwest Gulf. The NHC gives it a high (90%) formation chance through 2 and 5 days. The GFS and Euro models show completely different solutions for where it may end up. Though the general idea is that the potential tropical system meanders around the gulf through early next week. The Euro develops the system and brings it towards the southwest Louisiana coast next Wednesday/Thursday. Meanwhile, the GFS shows less development with the system eventually turning west into the central Texas coast.

Bottom line- certainty is low at this point, but any system in the Gulf needs to be watched closely. Elsewhere, Teddy is a major hurricane in the central Atlantic. It could become a Category 4 hurricane over the next couple days, and may impact Bermuda early next week. You may recall that Bermuda was struck directly by hurricane Paulette just earlier this week. Another hurricane is certainly not what the island needs.

Categories: Daily Forecast

Hurricane Sally damage could be significant for some Alabama farmers

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 17:42:06 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Farmers may not know the full extent of the damage done to their crops by Hurricane Sally for a couple weeks, but the early reports do not look good.

Pecan orchards, cotton fields and peanut fields appear to have suffered the most damage, according to Mitt Walker, director of national affairs with the Alabama Farmers Federation. But with power lines down and so much flooding left behind, it could be at least a few days before farmers are able to fully assess the damage.

Walker said farmers across the state are hoping for the best, but it appears now that the damage will prove to be significant. It could lead to problems with cotton and peanuts, in particular. And there may be long-term effects even in the crops that do survive.

“The concern would be that when they do get into harvesting: do we have yield loss, do we have quality loss, what are some of those issues they may run into that basically makes that crop less valuable than it would have been before the storm,” Walker said.

ALFA already is working to help farmers. Walker said the organization has reached out to its congressional delegation, and they’ve been in contact with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said there are federal assistance programs to help farmers in the aftermath of the storm.

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2 charged with kidnapping, extorting prominent Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr.

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:53:01 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Two people are behind bars after allegedly kidnapping Birmingham businessman and philanthropist Elton B. Stephens Jr. and forcing him to wire hundreds of thousands of dollars to them after stealing his vehicle, multiple guns, and jewelry.

Court records show Matthew Amos Burke, 34, and Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, face numerous state charges related to burglary, kidnapping of an adult for ransom, extortion, and theft of property. The pair was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Monday afternoon, each being held on bond totaling $290,000.

Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr confirmed the charges and case details to CBS 42.

According to statements from investigators in an affidavit, Burke entered Stephens’ home on Sept. 11 and stole a car, several guns and jewelry valued at over $2,500. Both Burke and Hodges later forced Stephens to provide them $250,000.

Stephens’ father, Elton B. Stephens Sr., founded EBSCO Industries in 1944 in Birmingham. In a report published by Forbes in 2014, the Stephens family were listed as one of the richest families in America with an estimated net worth of $4 billion.

“Elton Stephens Jr. was kidnapped in a home invasion last Friday,” Stephens’ lawyer Tommy Spina said in a written statement to CBS 42. “I ask that his privacy be respected by the press and the public to allow him time and space to process and deal with these very traumatizing circumstances. We are thankful and grateful for the hard work of the Birmingham Police Department, The Jefferson County DAs office , the FBI, the Secret Service and the US Attorneys office for their hard work in investigating this horrid life experience for Mr. Stephens.”

Burke and Hodges could also face other federal charges.

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Birmingham police investigating fatal shooting on Cedar Avenue

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:53:51 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a case involving a man who was fatally shot Wednesday night on Cedar Avenue Southwest.

At approximately 8:46 p.m. Wednesday, officers from West Precinct responded to 1705 Cedar Avenue South West on reports of a person shot. Arriving at the scene, officers found Marvie Brown, 30, lying unconscious in the driveway and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The preliminary investigation indicate two unknown suspects approached the victim as he was removing groceries from his vehicle,” a release from the BPD stated. “An exchange of words occurred prior to the victim being shot multiple times. The suspects fled the scene on foot.”

No arrest has been made in connection to Brown’s death and no motive has been determined.

This is the 71st homicide in Birmingham this year.

Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

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Two-time Olympic Hurdler weighs in on the return of Big Ten Fall Sports

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:31:41 +0000

Birmingham, Ala. (WIAT) – Two-time Olympic Hurdler Jeff Porter, A former University of Michigan NCAA All-American, is excited for the return of fall sports in the Big Ten. The 2007 NCAA Indoor National Champion in the 60 meter hurdle says as a fan he was glad to see Big Ten sports back in action. Porter says, “The medical advice and opinions have changed with the ability to get rapid testing, now it’s a likelihood that we are going to have football. So I’m happy to see that.”

Porter spoke with Art Franklin on the digital program, “The Morning Jam”, on The CBS 42 Facebook page. He also talked about being an Olympian, competing in the London and Rio games. His wife, Great Britain Hurdler Tiffany Porter, and sister-in-law are both Olympians. Porter says the family affair at the Olympics was just like a fairy tale. In response to the World Games coming to Birmingham in 2022, Porter says if would have liked the opportunity to compete in a World Games.

COVID-19 Pandemic Continues to Drive Unemployment in the US

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:16:55 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to 860,000, a historically high figure that reflects economic damage from the coronavirus outbreak.

Before the pandemic hit the economy, the number signing up for jobless aid had never exceeded 700,000 in a week, even in the depths of the 2007-2009 Great Recession.

The Labor Department also said Thursday that 12.6 million are collecting traditional unemployment benefits, compared with 1.7 million a year ago.

Categories: News

Alabama hospitals facing nurse shortage during COVID-19 pandemic

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 13:23:10 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) — The Alabama Hospital Association said at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of hospital beds and ventilators.

Don Williamson, president of Alabama Hospital Association, said the big thing now is the shortage of staff, specifically nurses.

Williamson said it’s not just a shortage of nurses in hospitals, but also at nursing schools, like UAB.

Ashley Hodges, associate dean for Graduate Clinical Education at UAB School of Nursing, said they aren’t able to meet that faculty to student ratio that would bring those nursing numbers up.

“We lack faculty in the nursing profession. We lack adequate clinical sites. We are competing in these sectors, so these things are standing in our way. I think it’s estimated something like 75,000 students were turned away because we didn’t have the facilities and faculties to educate so at the School of Nursing, we have committed to growth,” Hodges said.

Hodges said there are several other extremes on why there is a shortage of nurses. She said some nurses have been laid or furloughed. She also said some are retiring early or coming out of retirement to help.

Hodges said this is a public health problem.

“The shortage, whether we’re in a pandemic, whether we’re not in a pandemic, it’s going to continue to grow and this isn’t just a nursing problem. This is a problem for our patients, problem for our colleagues and other professionals so it is critical everyone work together on how nurses can best be utilized,” she said.

Williamson said we have not made a dent on the nurse shortage and there are factors that need to be put in place to change that.

“You’re going to get more nurses on the ability to pay more, the ability to have more clinical opportunities, and more faculty to fill those shortages, and it’s not just nurses. It’s respiratory therapists, shortage of healthcare professionals almost across the board in Alabama,” said Williamson.

Williamson said it’s a shortage of nurses and nurse educators. That’s why Hodges said they are focused on not only recruiting nurses, but recruiting nurses who want to become instructors at the UAB School of Nursing.

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Police Respond to Traffic Accident on Atlanta Highway

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 12:29:17 +0000

Montgomery Police are responding to a traffic accident on Atlanta Highway near Coliseum Boulevard.

Alabama News Network Traffic Reporter Jerry Howell says police responded to a multi-vehicle accident with injury Thursday morning.

We have reached out to Montgomery Police for more information and will update this story as we learn more.

Categories: News

Tags: Local News, Montgomery News, traffic

Second stimulus checks: Will we see a new direct payment before Election Day?

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:53:12 +0000

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — At the beginning of the week, there was little to no chance Americans would see a second direct payment from the government before Election Day. But after President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that Republicans “go for the much higher numbers” on a coronavirus aid proposal, the door is now open on the possibility of a package being approved before November 3.

It’s important to note there’s much to be done before that would happen. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke for the first time in weeks about restarting negotiations, according to the Washington Post. It was unclear how deep thoseconversations went – but the fact they spoke is a bit of a breakthrough.

Trump got the ball rolling with a Wednesday morning tweet urging his fellow Republicans to support a larger COVID relief bill that would include his priority of $1,200 stimulus checks for most Americans.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany was asked about the president’s tweet during Wednesday’s press briefing.

“What the president was referring to was the $500 billion bill that passed the Senate,” said McEnany. “It didn’t include direct payments. He wants more than the $500 billion and he’s very keen to see these direct stimulus payments.”

The measure was blocked by Democrats who said a package needed to be much larger.

On Tuesday, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled a $1.5 trillion bill that would provide, among other things, direct stimulus checks to Americans.

When asked during Wednesday’s news conference about the $500 billion proposed for state aid as part of the “March to Common Ground” stimulus framework, Trump said he supported “something like that.”

“I like the larger amount,” Trump added. “Some of the Republicans disagree but I think I can convince them to go along with that, I like the larger number. I want to see people get money, it wasn’t their fault that this happened.”

Trump has previously supported a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks for most Americans, which is included in the bill’s $316 billion budget for direct assistance.

“We are encouraged that after months of the Senate Republicans insisting on shortchanging the massive needs of the American people, President Trump is now calling on Republicans to ‘go for the much higher numbers’ in the next coronavirus relief package,” Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.

The statement went on say they look forward to hearing that Republicans “will finally meet us halfway with a bill that is equal to the massive health and economic crises gripping our nation.”

Senate Majority Whip John Thune said the president’s message makes it appear Trump wants to make a deal — but cautions doing so won’t be simple.

“I think if the number gets too high, anything that got passed in the Senate would be passed mostly with Democrat votes and a handful of Republicans, so it’s going to have to stay in sort of a realistic range,” the South Dakota Republican told the Washington Post.

Some Democrats are criticizing the the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus’ proposal for not doing enough.

No. 2 House Democrat Steny Hoyer of Maryland said the caucus had developed “useful ideas, important ideas” but said the proposal did not do enough to address the ongoing needs of helping the economy recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

House Democrats passed a $3 trillion bill that included $1,200 stimulus checks back in March. However, Senate Republicans and the White House rejected the Democratic-led measure.

During negotiations in August, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave a $2.2 trillion marker and has since indicated she’s willing to negotiate down.

However, Senate GOP leaders haven’t budged from a $650 billion measure that Democrats scuttled last week via filibuster. An earlier $1 trillion Senate GOP plan never gained momentum.

On Tuesday, Pelosi said the House will remain in session until lawmakers deliver another round of relief. Pelosi told her Democratic colleagues on a morning conference call that “we have to stay here until we have a bill.”

At issue in negotiations for a potential fifth relief bill are a replacement for the $600-per-week COVID unemployment benefit that expired at the end of July, money to help schools open, assistance to state and local governments, and additional funding of a program that directly subsidizes business hit hardest by the pandemic.

While there certainly is some movement, insiders caution whether any of this really equals progress. In a period now marred by election-season political combat, the chief negotiators for each party have shown no real signs they’re truly ready to bend and make a compromise.

The stalemate is politically risky for all sides heading into the fall election, and both sides accused the other of acting primarily with political calculations in mind. Democrats said GOP senators need to “check a box” and vote on any kind of relief bill before exiting Washington to campaign while Republicans said Democrats were intent on denying Republicans a political win.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Central AL Forecast: Drier and cooler weather dominates the forecast

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:12:37 +0000

Our weather takes a turn after tracking tropical weather for the last few days. We’ll track cooling temperatures and mostly dry weather for the extended forecast. Before we get down that road, today we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures hanging out near 80. A cold front will move through today bringing in some drier and cooler air on the back of northerly winds. Some areas in north Alabama will only see highs in the mid and upper 70s. Temperatures will drop tonight and end up in the upper 50s and low 60s by Saturday morning.

The weekend will stay cool, but each day will look a little different. A tropical wave in the Gulf will sling some clouds into the region and rain to the Gulf coast and possibly our southern counties on Saturday, but most of us stay dry without much sunshine. Sunday the clouds will clear out and sunshine will dominate. High temperatures both days will generally stay in the 70s. The sunshine will be in abundance for the start of the week with temperatures staying cooler than average in the mornings and afternoons.

In the Tropics: We have several active storms in the Atlantic basin but none of them pose a direct threat to us right now. The area in the Gulf bears watching closely for us going into next week.

Drone footage reveals the terrifying aftermath of Hurricane Sally

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 10:34:39 +0000

<p>Video shows catastrophic flooding, collapsed walls and damaged roofs</p>

Tropical Depression Sally Exiting to the East

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 10:21:17 +0000

Sally continues to linger over East Alabama, but will continue to push off towards the east and will exit the state later this morning. Latest update from NHC: The center of Tropical Depression Sally was located near latitude 31.8 North, longitude 85.7 West. The depression is moving toward the northeast near 12 mph, and a northeastward to east-northeastward motion is expected into Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Sally will move across southeastern Alabama this morning, over central Georgia this afternoon and evening, and move over South Carolina late tonight into Friday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 30 mph with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Sally is expected to become a remnant low by tonight or Friday morning. The estimated minimum central pressure based on nearby surface observations is 1000 mb (29.53 inches).

TOMORROW THROUGH THE WEEKEND: Clouds will linger across much of Alabama today, we are going to continue to have breezy conditions, and areas of light rain will persist at times through the day. The high today will be around 80° for most communities. Then, on Friday, the sky will be partly sunny with a high in the low to mid-80s, with a few showers across the area ahead of a front that will be pushing south through Alabama.

Then, the weekend will feature partly sunny conditions with cooler temperatures as highs will only be in the upper 70s for most locations. There has been some “model madness” concerning potential for moisture return over the southern half of the state, and that is why we are going to at least keep more clouds than sun in the forecast, with a few showers possible both days.

NEXT WEEK: The weather for now looks very quiet with sunshine back in full supply. Fall officially arrives on Tuesday and it will be feeling like it across all of Alabama. For much of next week, expect mostly sunny pleasant days, fair cool nights. Highs ranging from 78-82, lows mostly in the 50s and 60s.

IN THE TROPICS: A lot of activity continues across the Atlantic, but most of these are no threat to the U.S. However, we are watching one area in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, that will more than likely become a depression over the next 24 hours, and then likely Wilfred.

1. Thunderstorm activity has continued to increase and become better organized this morning in association with a well-defined low pressure system located over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Upper-level winds are gradually becoming more conducive for development and, if this recent development trend continues, a tropical depression or a tropical could form later today. The low is expected to meander over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico for the next day or so before moving slowly northward to northeastward on Friday and Saturday. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the disturbance this afternoon. Formation chance through 48 hours…high…90 percent. Formation chance through 5 days…high…90 percent.

For now, the models shows this feature developing and likely heading towards the Gulf coast of South Texas or northern Mexico.

Have a great day!
Ryan

Categories: Daily Forecast, Weather

Central AL Forecast: A few showers today, much nicer weather starts Friday

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 10:15:05 +0000

What’s left of Sally continues to move to the northeast and into Georgia this morning. Rain chances in our eastern counties will slowly wind down through the morning hours with clouds and breezy conditions left behind. Expect some wind gusts on the order of 20 mph or so and high temperatures rising to the upper 70s to low 80s depending on if sunshine peeks through or not. By Friday, drier air and more sunshine is on the way. It won’t be totally sunny, but breaks in the clouds will be more frequent. We’ll also have a northerly breezy that will bring in some refreshing air to the area. Look for highs to stay in the upper 70s and low 80s.

The weekend ahead looks absolutely spectacular with lots of sunshine and fall-like temperatures and humidity. Dry air will take over and temperatures will run in the upper 70s during the afternoons and upper 50s in the mornings. This will be a welcome change from the very tropical atmosphere we’re dealing with right now. That nice weather continues for the rest of the extended forecast for the start of next week.

In the Tropics: We’ll continue to track the remnants of Sally for the next couple of days as it produces heavy rain from Georgia through the Carolinas. The rest of the tropics remain active with Hurricane Teddy and several other tropical waves that will need to be watched over the next few days.

Democrats and Republicans question CDC head over coronavirus vaccine

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 04:02:07 +0000

WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — Senators pressed Dr. Robert Redfield, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the vaccine development process on Wednesday.

Senator Jeff Merkely (D-Oregon) questioned whether Redfield was under political pressure.

“You told governors to prepare for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine on November 1,” said Redfield. “It escapes no one’s perspective that you’re deliberately laying it out two days before the election. Who in the administration asked you to choose that particular date?”

Redfield responded that no one had. Redfield also said there’s no political pressure – a vaccine could come soon – but front line workers and vulnerable populations would get it first. It could be next spring or summer before a vaccine is ready for the general public.

Redfield told Senator John Kennedy (R-Lousiana) the government is making a safe vaccine a major priority.

“What do you call this effort – this worldwide effort led by the United States of America to develop a vaccine? What is the term for it?” asked Redfield.

“Operation Warp Speed, sir,” Redfield responded.

“Have you ever seen anything like Operation Warp Speed?” asked Kennedy.

“It’s unprecedented,” said Redfield.

Redfield also said that wearing a mask for now may offer more protection than a vaccine.

Confidence in COVID-19 vaccine could use a shot in the arm

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 04:00:56 +0000

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – COVID-19 has been the focus of many of our newscasts over the past several months, and so has a vaccine for the virus. But typically those vaccines take several years to develop.

On Wednesday, News 19’s Dallas Parker set out to ask people one question: if a COVID-19 vaccine was available right now, would you take it? Why or why not?

Its been about six months since the first coronavirus case was reported in Alabama.

Polls show public confidence in a vaccine seems to have fallen in recent months as the debate over safe science in an election year gets louder.

News 19 started a poll on Twitter asking viewers if they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if it was available by November 1.

QUESTION? If a COVID-19 vaccine was made available by November 1, 2020, would you take it?
(Photo: Getty Images)
— WHNT News 19 (@whnt) September 15, 2020

With more than 800 responses, about 75% of people said they would not. Only 25% said they would take the vaccine.

Some viewers noted they voted ‘no’ because they feel the vaccine is being rushed.

Others said they’re afraid it will do more harm than good.

“I feel like giving yourself a little bit of the virus, or introducing those antigens is not safe,” explained Daisha Pillow.

Harry Shiota said his line of work makes his decision for him.

“I work at a nursing home and we have to get it tested every so often to make sure we don’t have it.”

Shiota said a vaccine would give him peace of mind.

Meanwhile, David Capo said if the science is complete, he trusts it.

“If it was a finished vaccine, absolutely. I’d see no problems with it at all.”

The CDC advised that states prioritze healthcare workers, nursing home residents and employees and vulnerable populations in administering the vaccine.

But government officials said they dont expect it to be widely available to everyone until 2021.

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Anniston City Council votes to move Confederate monument to museum

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 03:29:01 +0000

ANNISTON, Ala. (WIAT) — On Wednesday, the city of Anniston voted to have its confederate monument moved into a museum.

The monument currently stands on Quintard Avenue, commemorating Confederate Major John Pelham. The statue will be moved to Janney Furnace Park, a confederate museum about 20 miles away in Calhoun County.

At previous council meetings, some residents have said moving the monument is nothing more than a band-aid fix to the city’s racial divide.

Anniston City Council David Reddick said the city shouldn’t glorify the men who mistreated black people.

“Regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, we are in a place in this country right now that it’s time to show that all lives matter– Black lives matter, and this is the perfect time in this country to move the statue to a confederate monument site,” Reddick said.

The council has not yet announced with the monument will be moved.

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Tracking the Tropics: Sally now a Tropical Depression

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 02:50:00 +0000

Tropical Storm Sally is producing significant rainfall for southern and south east Alabama at the moment. This trend continues overnight and trough the start of Thursday for east Alabama.

Tropical Depression Sally with winds of 45 mph tracks northeast. Heaviest rain will be centered closer to the eye of Sally. Winds will be breezy at times, but not the main threat.

Clear to see where the rain will be heaviest over the next 24 hours. Most of this rain will be in the next 12 hours. Heaviest rain along and east of I-65. I don’t foresee flooding to be a major concern, but low lying areas and areas prone to quickly rising waters just need to stay Weather Aware.