West Alabama Monday Briefing

Good Monday morning West Alabama! It is September 23, 2024.That tropical disturbance between the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba is now Invest 97L. The system is expected to continue strengthening as it slowly moves northward into the historically warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

While there is uncertainty, computer models are forecasting an upper-level trough to push the system to a landfall from Pensacola eastward to the Florida Big Bend. But there will be Alabama impacts:

The forecasted heavy rainfall for West Alabama could go further in reducing the ongoing drought and help foresters currently fighting four wildfires in the state, two in eastern Walker County.

The Forecast:

Today

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday

Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday Night

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It was a deadly weekend for fatal shootings in Alabama led by a mass shooting in Birmingham and other fatal shooting in Tuscaloosa, Mobile and Huntsville.

Birmingham Police believe the four people killed in a mass shooting in Five Points South Saturday night were targeted. They also say Glock switches that allow a gun to fire more rapidly were used.

There was another Birmingham killing last night.

In Tuscaloosa, a fatal shooting at 10:15 Saturday night became the city's 17 homicide of the year, eclipsing the previous record of 16 set in 2001.

Read More: Tuscaloosa Police Investigating Saturday Night Homicide, Surpassing Record High

Tuscaloosa is pushing forward with the planned Sports Illustrated Resort. The facility on the northern side of the Black Warrior River at Rice Mine Loop, is slated to open in 2026.

There has been some push back on the facility by people concerned with traffic congestion and other issues.

Polls open at 7:00 tomorrow morning for the 11-mill property tax vote in the City of Tuscaloosa. They will close at 7:00pm.

Property taxes are a major source for funding schools. City school officials point out there has not been an ad valorem tax increase in 40 years. Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria reminds voters that while there has been no increase over the last 40 years, the cost of providing a quality education has consistently climbed during those four decades.

Opposition from an organization calling itself "Stop the Big Tax" is being financed by realtors, apartment complex owners and developers.

The City of Tuscaloosa has recognized city employees for the quality of work they perform with the second annual Excellence Awards.

Topping Sports News:

The polls for week five of the college football season are out.

USA Today/Coaches College Football Poll:

1. Georgia

2. Texas (18)
3. Ohio State (2)
4. Alabama

5. Ole Miss
6. Tennessee
7. Oregon
8. Penn State
9. Miami
10. Utah
11. Missouri
12. Michigan
13. LSU
14. Notre Dame
15. Clemson
16. USC
17. Louisville
18. Oklahoma
19. Iowa State
20. Oklahoma State
21. Illinois
22. BYU
23. UNLV
24. Texas A&M
25. Kansas StateAssociated Press College Football Poll:

Texas
Georgia
Ohio State
Alabama
Tennessee
Ole Miss
Miami
Oregon
Penn State
Utah
Missouri
Michigan
USC
LSU
Louisville
Notre Dame
Clemson
Iowa State
Illinois
Oklahoma State
Oklahoma
BYU
Kansas State
Texas A&M
Boise State

Click TuscaloosaThread.com for more local news, sports and weather updates throughout the day. Better yet, download the app.

Have a great weekend and keep an eye on the tropics.

Categories: Local News