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Severe Weather Alert Issued for Alabama with Storms and Flooding Risk

Severe Weather Alert Issued for Alabama with Storms and Flooding Risk

The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather alert for Alabama, warning of strong storms and potential flooding over the weekend. Scattered storms are expected to develop, with the risk of heavy rain and localized flooding. The alert highlights two primary windows for storm activity: early morning and late afternoon. Residents are advised to stay informed and take precautions as necessary. The weather system is expected to bring a cold front, leading to drier conditions by Sunday.
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First Alert Weather Day Declared in Alabama Due to Severe Storms

First Alert Weather Day Declared in Alabama Due to Severe Storms

The First Alert Weather Team has declared a First Alert Weather Day for Saturday in Alabama, with the Storm Prediction Center issuing a marginal risk for severe weather across Central Alabama. The primary concerns include gusty winds and heavy downpours, which could lead to localized flooding. The weather system is expected to bring numerous showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for damaging winds and frequent lightning.
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Chicago Area Faces Potential Flooding Due to Repeated Downpours

Chicago Area Faces Potential Flooding Due to Repeated Downpours

The Chicago area is bracing for potential flooding as repeated downpours are forecasted over the weekend. The National Weather Service has indicated that storms on Friday afternoon and night could reach severe levels. Temperatures are expected to cool, with highs in the 70s over the weekend. The forecast predicts a high of 84 on Friday, 75 on Saturday, and 78 on Sunday. The weather conditions include a 100% chance of precipitation on Friday night, with new rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible. Saturday's forecast includes an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with additional rainfall expected.
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Central Alabama Water Collaborates with Federal Agencies Amid Cyber Threats

Central Alabama Water Collaborates with Federal Agencies Amid Cyber Threats

Central Alabama Water (CAW) is actively coordinating with federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in response to recent cyberattacks on water utilities across seven states. The FBI has issued warnings about these attacks, which are suspected to be linked to Iranian-backed hackers. CAW is prioritizing cybersecurity and service reliability by continuously monitoring threats, evaluating safeguards, and utilizing best practices from industry associations. The utility has also conducted training exercises with federal experts to enhance its defenses against potential cyberattacks.
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Waterspout Formation Captured at Battleship Park Amid Gulf Coast Storms

Waterspout Formation Captured at Battleship Park Amid Gulf Coast Storms

A waterspout was observed forming at Battleship Park in Mobile, Alabama, during a series of strong storms affecting the Gulf Coast. The phenomenon was captured by WKRG weather cameras as a severe thunderstorm moved across Downtown Mobile. Meteorologists Ed Bloodsworth and Sam Parker from the News 5 First Alert Storm Team reported the event, noting the presence of turbulent clouds over the Mobile River and Battleship Park. The waterspout was seen forming on the east side of the USS Alabama, moving eastward south of the I-10 Bayway and Highway 90/98 Causeway. The storm prompted a severe thunderstorm warning, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.
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Alabama Emergency Management Agency Holds Disaster Planning Meeting in Baldwin County

Alabama Emergency Management Agency Holds Disaster Planning Meeting in Baldwin County

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) recently convened a meeting in Baldwin County to discuss strategies for emergency management, mitigation, and response. Led by AEMA Division Coordinator Steven Huff, the meeting included discussions on a new camp safety law and the Safer Spaces program, which aims to provide shelters during severe weather. AEMA Executive Operations Officer Craig Bolling provided a timeline for the implementation of the camp safety law. Additionally, AEMA Recovery's Kim Bryant and Selena Hardy from the Governor's Office of Volunteer Services highlighted the importance of long-term recovery efforts in disaster scenarios. The meeting also featured training sessions by AEMA IT and communications teams on systems for efficient information sharing during disasters. Representatives from the National Weather Service and the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers participated, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience.
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Weekend Weather: Heat Advisories and Rain Expected Across the Southeast

Weekend Weather: Heat Advisories and Rain Expected Across the Southeast

The Southeast region of the United States is experiencing a mix of extreme heat and scattered thunderstorms as the weekend approaches. According to NickelBlock Forecasting, heat advisories are in effect for much of the region, with temperatures reaching the 90s to 100°F (32-38°C) and heat index values exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). A marginal risk of severe weather is present in parts of Alabama and Mississippi, particularly near the coast, where strong wind gusts and heavy rain are possible due to microbursts. The weather pattern is influenced by a weakening upper ridge and an incoming trough, which will bring northerly flow and embedded shortwaves, leading to increased precipitation. A cold front is expected to approach the region by Saturday, further contributing to rainfall. Source time: not specified.
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Strong Storms and Flood Threat Expected in Alabama This Saturday

Strong Storms and Flood Threat Expected in Alabama This Saturday

Alabama is set to experience a round of storms on Saturday, with heavy rainfall and localized flooding being the primary concerns. According to WVTM 13, the day has been designated as a 'First Warning Impact Day,' signaling potential disruptions to outdoor plans and travel. The morning will see an initial wave of storms, followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Frequent lightning is also anticipated, and while the overall severe weather threat is low, isolated damaging wind gusts could occur later in the day as atmospheric conditions evolve.
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Waterspout Captured Near USS Alabama in Mobile, Alabama

Waterspout Captured Near USS Alabama in Mobile, Alabama

On Friday, July 31, 2026, a waterspout was observed forming near Battleship Park in Mobile, Alabama. The event occurred at approximately 3:10 PM CDT, as tracked by Chief Meteorologist Ed Bloodsworth and Meteorologist Sam Parker of the News 5 First Alert Storm Team. The waterspout developed on the east side of the USS Alabama and moved eastward, south of the I-10 Bayway and Highway 90/98 Causeway. The phenomenon was accompanied by gusty winds, with a severe thunderstorm warning issued for the area, predicting wind speeds of up to 60 mph (96.5 km/h). The waterspout was captured on a WKRG weather camera, providing a rare visual record of the event.
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Senator Katie Britt Secures $350,000 for Phenix City Law Enforcement Upgrades

Senator Katie Britt Secures $350,000 for Phenix City Law Enforcement Upgrades

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has successfully secured $350,000 in funding for Phenix City law enforcement as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This funding is earmarked for upgrading the police department's P25 Radio System, which is crucial for maintaining efficient communication among law enforcement officers, especially during emergencies. The upgrade will allow the Phenix City Police Department to replace outdated radio equipment with new portable radios that incorporate the latest technology, including SmartConnect over Wi-Fi. This enhancement is expected to improve officer safety and ensure reliable communication during both routine operations and emergency incidents. Senator Britt emphasized her commitment to returning taxpayer dollars to communities and highlighted the long-term benefits of this funding for Phenix City.
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Heavy rain, severe storms expected across Atlanta metro this weekend

Heavy rain, severe storms expected across Atlanta metro this weekend

Severe storms are expected to push into Georgia this weekend, bringing possible flooding to the Atlanta metro area. Here's what to know.
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Congressman Shomari Figures Warns of Social Security Threat to Alabama Seniors

Congressman Shomari Figures Warns of Social Security Threat to Alabama Seniors

Congressman Shomari Figures (D-AL) has issued a warning regarding the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund, which is projected to run out of money by 2032. This development could lead to a reduction of 20% to 30% in benefits for seniors in Alabama, where more than 50% rely on Social Security as their primary source of income. Figures highlighted the financial strain on seniors due to low average incomes in the state, with the median income for individuals being approximately $34,000, and even lower for seniors. The warning was delivered during a briefing at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on Alabamians.