West Alabama Tuesday Briefing
Another day of strong to severe thunderstorms are in the forecast for Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
There is a Slight (2 in 5) Risk of strong to severe storms with 60mph winds and quarter size hail south of an Aliceville to Tuscaloosa to Centreville line. There is a lesser Marginal (1 in 5) Risk north of that line.
These mid-summer storms can pack quite a punch, downing trees and power lines and doing property damage. But of significant concern for emergency managers is the dangerous lightning. Three people have been struck during passing storms over the last week and yesterday, a man in Florence was killed when he was struck. Best advice from Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley is to stay inside, away from windows and glass doors and do not use water while lightning is striking.
Alabama is fourth in the nation for lightning strikes fatalities with 22 since 2006. Only Florida, Texas and Colorado have had more.
Today's forecast calls for severe thunderstorms possible across much of West and Central Alabama, generally 10 AM through 5 PM. Storms will pose a threat of damaging wind gusts and perhaps hail up to quarter size. The heat will back off thought with a high of just 87.
Tonight, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow, severe thunderstorms are again possible across West and Central Alabama, mainly after 7:00am. Storms will pose a threat of damaging wind gusts. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Topping the News:
Mavis Tire Store has withdrawn plans for a new store at 1200 Mitt Lary Road in Northport after social media opposition built over the weekend. Attorney Bryan Winter spoke for company owners at last night’s council meeting stating that no one is interested in opening a business where the community doesn't want it. A number of residents showed up at last night's council meeting. They told the council they do not oppose development on that property, they are just opposed to that type of business.
The man who jumped from a cliff and drowned at Lake Nicol over the weekend has been identified as 18-year-old University of Alabama student Ifeanyi Chidubem Prince Agyoku who was originally from Nigeria.
Mayor Walt Maddox updated the public on his condition after a recent car accident.
Maddox explained via a post on Facebook that he was "involved in a car accident" Sunday at the corner of Jack Warner Parkway and Hackberry Lane at approximately 5 p.m.
The mayor revealed that the wreck resulted in minor injuries. "[I] truly feel fortunate to have only sustained a few bumps and bruises," said Maddox. Maddox was evaluated at DCH and released.
Mayor Maddox will be joined by District 2 City Councilor Raevan Howard and District 1 City Councilor Matthew Wilson for a town hall Thursday. The one-hour event will be conducted at Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy located at 2800 MLK, Jr. Blvd. beginning at 6pm.
26-year-old Marilyn Rachelle Mott of Cordova, who was raised in Northport died over the weekend when struck by a vehicle while participating in a bicycle event in Greenwood, MS. She was a nurse at UAB.
A record 441 individuals are registered to attend tomorrow's State of the Community presentation at the Bryant Conference Center. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Northport City Administrator Glenda Webb, and Tuscaloosa County Judge Rob Robertson will update the annual Chamber of Commerce event on the status of their communities.
West Alabama residents are again heading to Mississippi to purchase a lottery ticket and this time a chance for a record $1.55 billion. The next drawing is tonight at 10 Central time.
In Sports:
Just 18 more days until the kickoff of the 2023 college football season!
The Atlanta Braves are scoring enough runs to win but their pitchers can’t quit walking batters and then giving up untimely hits to the opposition. Atlanta lost their third in a row last night, this time to a team 10 games under .500, the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates 7-to-6. The Braves are now 1-9 since the all-star break.
The Alabama soccer team will host Tennessee in an exhibition match tonight. The game at the Alabama Soccer Stadium will kick off at 7 p.m.
Have a terrific Tuesday and stay safe!!
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