WEST ALABAMA THURSDAY BRIEFING
A relatively comfortable start to Thursday, June 29, 2023, is giving way to another scorcher of a day. A Heat Warning is in effect for Lamar, Pickens and Sumter Counties in West Alabama and Heat Advisory for the remainder of West and Central Alabama.
Dangerously hot conditions are expected today through Saturday as daytime heat indices range from 105-110 degrees. Don't be surprised if the Heat Warning is expanded to encompass all of West and Central Alabama by tomorrow as the heat index is expected to soar at or about 115 degrees.
On top of the heat, there is a Marginal (1 in 5) Risk for severe storms this afternoon into the evening across the northern counties. Main threats will be damaging winds and large hail. This includes all of Fayette, Lamar and Walker Counties and the northern portions of Pickens and Tuscaloosa Counties between 5:00pm and 10pm this evening.
Topping the News:
The National Weather Service in Birmingham is advising that prolonged exposure to excessively hot conditions could rapidly result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke. They are urging everyone to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in a cool location if you must spend time outdoors!
Cooling stations are open between noon and 7 p.m. today, tomorrow and Saturday in Tuscaloosa County. There are also cooling centers in other West Alabama counties.
Rides are available for anyone who needs them in Tuscaloosa by calling 205-248-5400, in Northport by calling 205-339-6600 and for residents living outside city limits in Tuscaloosa the number is 205-752-0616.
TPD was called to the 2100 block of 14th Avenue overnight on reports that a man had been shot. They found a gunshot victim in his 40s in the road. He was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center in critical condition. The officers determined the victim had been shot near a residence at nearby Bonita Terrace.
A bridge at Exit 100 on I20/59 at Lakeview in Tuscaloosa County is being dedicated today in the name of Bibb County Deputy Sheriff Brad Johnson. He was killed in the line of duty last year.
Stillman College is hosting a community roundtable today to discuss the expansion of broadband and the technical needs of area residents and businesses. President of the Black belt Community Foundation Felecia Lucky points out it is important for residents to participate to keep other people from setting the agenda for broadband expansion. The Town Hall will be in Stillman’s Stinson Auditorium at 3pm.
The ALEA State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is investigating the death of Pickensville Police Chief Kendrick Barnes. He died in Aliceville on Monday according to police reports. Authorities do not believe foul play was involved. The 37yo previously served as an officer on the Eutaw police force.
President Joe Biden and West Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-7) are calling out Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville for celebrating funding he voted against. Tuberville called the infrastructure bill a waste of Alabama tax dollars but after its passage he celebrated Alabama receiving more than a billion dollars for broadband expansion. That prompted Sewell and Biden to retweet Tuberville’s celebration with a screenshot showing he voted against the measure.
In Sports:
The Southeastern Conference has announced the Alabama men's basketball team will host the Clemson Tigers in the 2023 ACC/SEC Challenge, the Southeastern Conference. The game is set for Tuesday, Nov. 28 at Coleman Coliseum.
It will mark the 12th meeting between the Crimson Tide and Tigers in series history and second time in the last four seasons. The programs also met on Dec. 12, 2020, during head coach Nate Oats' first year at Alabama.
ESPN has announced the Alabama women's basketball team will head to Syracuse, N.Y., to face the Syracuse Orange in the ACC/SEC Challenge. It will be the first ever meeting between the two teams. The game is set for Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. CT.
Have a safe and happy Thursday! Stay out of the heat if you can!
More From 95.3 The Bear
