News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Helene is now a Hurricane
SUMMARY: Hurricane Helen is currently strengthening as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico, with maximum winds of 80 mph. The storm is moving north-northwest at 10 mph and is expected to reach category 2 status soon, potentially becoming a category 3 hurricane by tomorrow morning. It’s forecasted to make landfall near Appalachicola around 7 PM tomorrow, weakening quickly afterward. While the Gulf Coast will experience breezy conditions and a tropical storm warning in waterways, significant storm surge impacts will be focused on the eastern side of the storm. Rain chances and rough surf may affect Northwest Florida, so residents should stay informed on the latest developments.
HURRICANE HELENE is now a hurricane and will continue to strengthen as it enters the Gulf. The system continues to become more organized and is set for a period of possible rapid intensification. The storm is expected to become major hurricane by Thursday morning.
Right now, NHC has Helene picking up speed as it gets picked up by and upper-level trough. Currently, the cone of uncertainty stretches from the Panama City all the way to Cedar Key, FL. As this continues to develop, we could see more wobbles in the track.
As the center gets more organized, we could see shifts in the track. Even small shifts will impact what we see in the News 5 area. This system is also forecast to be big in size, meaning impacts will be felt well outside of the cone of uncertainty (where the center of the storm could pass).
ROUGH SURF – Waves of 8-14 feet, 6-10 feet in the surf zone. High Surf Warning in place from 6 AM Thursday to noon Friday
GUSTY WINDS (WATER)– Tropical Storm Warning for coastal waters of NW FL and offshore waters of AL. Small Craft Advisory in place for other local waters
GUSTY WINDS (LAND) – 20-30 mph wind gusts, some up to 45 mph mainly in NW FL (Wind Advisory for coastal NW FL from noon Thursday through 6 AM Friday)
RAIN – 1-3″, mainly east of Mobile Bay
COASTAL FLOODING – Minor flooding along coastal AL and NW FL Thursday evening
ISOLATED TORNADOES: Wednesday into Thursday, low risk in NW FL
These impacts COULD CHANGE if the forecast track changes. Stay tuned!
WHAT TO DO
Keep watching and we will continue to keep you updated. Make sure your kit and plan are ready to go.
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
News 5 Now at 8 | January 17, 2025
SUMMARY: In today’s News 5 segment, Shamani Baker and guest Grant Skinner discuss local news stories, including a mobile truck fire captured on video and a proposed Florida bill aimed at protecting pets during disasters. They also cover the case of a woman charged with shooting her husband and the family’s hope for closure after a missing person was found. The pair engages with viewers on their favorite video game consoles and upcoming events, including the Martin Luther King Day celebration. The weather forecast hints at potential wintry precipitation next week. Tune in for details on the news and weather updates.
A pickup truck in flames last night near a storefront in West Mobile, a bill filed to protect dogs during disasters, and a woman’s family says her body should have been found sooner.
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
National law enforcement staffing shortage continues, Daphne PD seeking more officers
SUMMARY: Law enforcement agencies nationwide, including Daphne, are facing significant staffing shortages, with the Daphne Police Department currently having six openings. Chief Brian Gosby highlighted that this situation strains officers, who spend around 90% of their time responding to calls rather than proactive policing. Contributing factors include a negative national perception of police and concerns among experienced officers about legal repercussions. A 2024 survey reveals over 70% of police agencies find recruiting new officers more challenging than five years ago, and the number of qualified applicants has also diminished, with departments unwilling to compromise standards to address the shortages.
The City of Daphne, like many other communities nationwide, is dealing with a shortage of police officers.
FULL STORY: https://trib.al/U2UI2cV
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
News 5 Now at 8 |January 16, 2025
SUMMARY: On News 5, hosts Bill Rials and Shiman Baker discuss weather forecasts predicting warming temperatures leading to a 70-degree Saturday, with a concern about a potential snowstorm. They also cover the latest news, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s reluctance to finalize a hostage deal with Hamas. The Holly Nar water system proposes a 12% rate increase, and a 70-year-old man faces child sex abuse charges. Additionally, animal cruelty charges arise against a Foley man who shot at his dogs. The day ends with mobile city leaders lighting a tree, and viewers are encouraged to share their experiences with scams.
The two sides have come to a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, arrest of a 70-year-old Fairhope man on child sex-abuse charges, and Mobile City leaders will light the way to Mardi Gras tonight.
-
News from the South - Florida News Feed6 days ago
Speaker Johnson removes chair of powerful House Intelligence Committee
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed5 days ago
Georgia senator arrested for trying to defy ban on entering House chamber
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed5 days ago
U-Haul: South Carolina the fastest growing state in the country
-
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed5 days ago
Tracking weekend rain and chances for wintry weather
-
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed3 days ago
‘Don’t lose hope’: More than 100 Tennesseans protest incoming Trump administration
-
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed4 days ago
Tracking wintry weather potential
-
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed4 days ago
Southeast Louisiana officials brace for freezing temperatures
-
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed4 days ago
Speed limit reduced on State Route 109 in Wilson County