West Alabama Wednesday Briefing
Good morning West Alabama. It is Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday Morning Observations:
Finally, the updated U.S. Drought Monitor to be released tomorrow morning is expected to show the soaking rain over the last couple of days has halted the spread of drought conditions across the area. It is also helping many who suffer from allergies.
Some areas of West Alabama received upwards of two and a half inches of badly needed rain to start the week. The return of badly needed significant moisture not only has stemmed the spread of the drought but has assisted exhausted firefighters in the battles with wildfires scattered across the state. As of this morning only eight wildfires are burning. They are all in East Alabama and are considered contained.
We return to drier conditions today but a "Flannel Alert" is in effect for the next few days as overnight lows dip into the 30s and daytime highs rebound only into the 50s. That will make it feel more like holiday weather. However, the long-range forecast reveals a potential for a chance of rain Thursday week.
This is a good time to offer some fire safety tips. Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and late fall into winter are when most home fires happen.
- Do not leave fires of any kind unattended.
- Test and inspect your fire protection systems including extinguishers, alarms, and alert systems.
- Have a certified professional clean out repair any issues with gas logs or chimneys.
- Turn off and unplug supplemental heating appliances like space heaters when not in use.
- Explore the installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detection devices that adhere to local safety codes and laws.
- Make sure smoke alarms are operational, and batteries are new.
A cozy evening in can quickly turn to tragedy if you are not prepared for cold weather.
(Opinions expressed in Morning Observations are not necessarily those of ownership, management and staff of Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa.)
Weather:
The coldest air so far this season begins to move into the state tonight and tomorrow dropping temperatures for West Alabama into the lower 40s and upper 30s overnight for the next few nights.
Topping the News:
33-year-old Tuscaloosan Hanston Alexander Clark has been convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamines and Fentanyl. Clark and two others were arrested in Anniston in June.
UA is attempting to assure students and parents that campus safety is their highest priority. This comes after an intruder followed a person with legitimate access into Mary Burke Hall early Tuesday morning.
The UA Police Department has a new Deputy Chief. He is retiring Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond.
Tuscaloosa's 2nd District City Councilman Cassius Lanier has announced he is running for a second term. Lanier joins Mayor Maddox and council members John Faile and Norman Crowe in announcing the re-elections bids in next year's municipal elections.
The City of Tuscaloosa continues to maintain a AAA Credit Rating according to Fitch Ratings. AAA is the highest rating that can be obtained by a municipality.
DCH Regional Hospital has donated hospital beds to several West Alabama schools to give hands-on training for careers in healthcare. 20-plus beds are being donated.
Topping Sports News:
Week 3 College Football Playoff Selection Committee Top 25 (SEC Teams Highlighted):
1 - Oregon
2 - Ohio State
3 - Texas
4 - Penn State
5 - Indiana
6 - Notre Dame
7- Alabama
8 - Miami
9 - Ole Miss
10 - Georgia
11 - Tennessee
12 - Boise State
13 - SMU
14 - BYU
15 - Texas A&M
16 - Colorado
17 - Clemson
18 - South Carolina
19 - Army
20 - Tulane
21 - Arizona State
22 - Iowa State
23 - Missouri
24 - UNLV
25 - Illinois
Alabama Men's Basketball recruiting is on a role signaling several top prospects.
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