WEST ALABAMA FRIDAY NEWS BRIEFING
Friday, June 16, 2023, began with severe thunderstorms crossing from Mississippi into Alabama. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued for Sumter, Greene, Hale and Marengo counties. Wind gusts upwards of 65mph left behind scattered tree and power line damage.
There is more severe weather potential later today. Between 2:00pm and midnight, there is a Slight (2 in 5) Risk for severe thunderstorms southwest of a Vernon to Tuscaloosa to Centerville line. Northeast of that line there is a marginal (1 in 5) Risk. Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats.
The possibility for severe weather will continue through the weekend. Between noon and 10:00pm Saturday there is a Marginal (1 in 5) Risk for strong to severe thunderstorms southwest of an Aliceville to Tuscaloosa to Centreville line. Damaging winds and large hail are the greatest threats.
Sunday afternoon and evening there is a Slight (2 in 5) Risk for damaging winds to 60mph and quarter size hail.
Shower and thunderstorm activity is possible through all of next week. Each day from today through next week will have dry periods.
Temperatures during this wet time period will run from lows in the mid and upper 60s to highs in the mid and upper 80s.
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Topping the news:
Fatal shots were fired around 4am this morning at Creekwood Village Apartments on 40th Avenue in West Tuscaloosa near Stillman College and the Piggly Wiggly. Residents say they saw a man lying in the street shortly afterward. No suspects are currently in custody.
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A fire has damaged the popular Sonic Drive-in on Lurleen Wallace Boulevard. Northport Fire/Rescue Units responded to the blaze during rush hour this morning. Although some observers say the restaurant is a complete loss, extent of damage and cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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With United Mine Workers of America employees at Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood returning to work in March after a lengthy strike, the company has updated its 2023 outlook to predict an *% increase in sales. In a press release this week the company CEO Walt Scheller stated, “We are pleased to welcome back the returning employees and look forward to the incremental impact on our sales and production volumes this year."
Some 1,100 union members went on strike on April 1, 2021, in an effort to win better pay and working conditions they claim the company promised them for making concessions to help make the company profitable after Warrior Met purchased the bankrupt company Jim Walter Resources.
Warrior Met produces metallurgical, or met, coal for the steel industry.
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Funeral services for Harry Hammonds, former Tuscaloosa High and UA Basketball star and owner of the iconic Harry’s Bar are set for a graveside service at 2pm Sunday at Memory Hills Garden with visitation an hour prior at Memory Chapel next door on McFarland Blvd.
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The National Weather Service Birmingham radar is out of service after being struck by lightning yesterday. The Meteorologists at the Calera field office are utilizing radar from Columbus MS for coverage of West Alabama counties.
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If you think we have been having it bad with the weather, then consider Pensacola and Pensacola Beach Fl. where they have been dealing with a Flash Flood Emergency. Some areas on the coast and inland received 8" to 13" of rainfall in six hours. Up to 18" of rainfall are possible in some areas before the downpours are over.
In sports:
Name Image and Likeness (NIL) is out of control in college athletics according to Alabama Senator and former Auburn Football Coach Tommy Tuberville. The Republican has been working with West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin to place some controls on it. Tuberville was on Tide 100.9 yesterday and told Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9's "The Game" their legislation is ready to be introduced for review in Congress. Tuberville and Manchin met with Tide Coach Nick Saban and other athletics officials in Washington recently to discuss the problem and Tuberville’s proposed solutions.
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Have a Happy and safe weekend and Juneteenth on Monday!
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