West Alabama Monday Briefing

Good morning West Alabama!! It is Monday, October 28, 2024.

Monday Morning Observations:

It looks like we will finish off October without significant rainfall. A front will bring West Alabama the chance for some rain Thursday and Friday, but unfortunately, at this time it looks like amounts will be light, maybe a tenth-of-an-inch,

The National Climate Prediction Center indicates that dry conditions will continue through November and most likely into next year. Temperatures during the same time period will also trend above normal. If this dry pattern does continue, there could be a rapid expansion and intensification of drought that could impact late maturing crops and fall planting and increase the number of burn restrictions.

The Fire Danger Advisory issued last week by the Alabama Forestry Commission remains in effect for 22 counties in Alabama, including Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens and Sumter here in West Alabama. There are currently more than 50 wildfires across the state this morning, 12 of them are in West Alabama, six in Lamar County alone.

There are no burning restrictions yet, but Northeast Alabama Forestry Commission Forester Terry Ezell has some commonsense advice, "This is just a heads-up, be careful". Ezell told me the best idea at this time is not burn if you do not have to. He points out even small fires can get away from you quickly, especially if there is any wind.

If the drought does continue and expands as expected, the next step will be a Fire Danger Alert which will include burning restrictions

Weather:

The Forecast

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night

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Topping the News:

General Election Day is a week from tomorrow and there are some dates to know. Absentee Ballot requests are due no later than close of business tomorrow…Those ballots must be returned in person by close of business November 4^th and November 5^th by mail.

The embattled Walker County Sheriff’s Office is one of the lowest paid in the state and that has prompted a restructuring that will lead to fewer but better paid deputies. The department’s Narcotics and Investigative Divisions will also be merged. Currently deputies earn $13.50 an hour.

The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center is sponsoring a parade to honor veterans at 10:00am, November 6^th. The parade, which include high school bands and 1^st responders will be held on the medical center grounds. Monday, November 11^th is Veteran’s Day.

West AlabamaWorks is inviting job seekers in Tuscaloosa County to attend a hiring event Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Northport City Hall on McFarland Blvd. DCH Health System, Peco Foods, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Schnellecke Logistics, ZF Foxconn Chassis Modules will be among the 17 companies present. You are encouraged to pre-register at the West Alabama Works website.

73-year-old Johnny Snyder was killed when his 2013 Toyota RAV4 left the roadway and struck multiple trees in Lamar County Sunday. The crash occurred on Lamar County 41, one mile north of Kennedy. Snyder was not wearing a seatbelt.

Good news for this coming weekend. We "Fall Forward" at 2:00am Sunday morning as Daylight Savings time ends.

Topping Sports News:

The Crimson Tide's 34-0 victory apparently somewhat impressed voters in both the Associated Press and USA Today/Coaches Polls. Alabama rose one spot to No. 14 in both.

The AP Poll: (SEC Teams Highlighted)

1. Oregon
2. Georgia
3. Penn State
4. Ohio State
5. Miami
6. Texas
7. Tennessee
8. Notre Dame
9. BYU
10. Texas A&M
11. Clemson
Tie for No. 11. Iowa State
13. Indiana
14. Alabama
15. Boise State
16. LSU
17. Kansas State
18. Pittsburgh
19. Ole Miss
20. SMU
21. Army
22. Washington State
23. Colorado
24. Illinois
25. Missouri