48 FASTCAST

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:01:28]You're watching 48 Fast Cast.

[00:01:32]>> All right, good Friday morning. Welcome to the 48 Fast Cast. It is 7:01. We're going to talk a lot more about your Memorial Day holiday weekend. I've got outside plans. You do. We've got the Alabama Jubilee. We've got to get you through Friday first. And today is a 48 first alert weather day because we're expecting the storms to potentially become strong to severe unlike what we had Wednesday and Thursday. Those storms for the most part behaved produced a lot of heavy rain and lightning. But we've got a few more ingredients in play today. One being instability. We've got a ton of Gulf moisture and a little more spin or shear in the atmosphere and that could lead to a low-end threat of maybe seeing some brief spin up tornadoes.

[00:02:09]Pretty low confidence in that at this time, but something that cannot be ruled out. Unfortunately, potential for damaging straight line winds, heavy rain could lead to isolated flash flooding or roadway urban flooding as well as frequent cloud to ground lightning. So, very important to respect lightning. If you hear thunder, see lightning, time to wrap it up and take it inside. But that storm timeline for this area in red from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. North Central Alabama 11 to 5:00 p.m. And then finally, northeast Alabama Sand Mountain from midnight uh noon, excuse me, to about 6:00 p.m. So noon to 6 p.m. for northeast Alabama Sand Mountain. Still tracking rain this morning. Some pockets of heavier rain now moving into parts of Coleman County, including you and Coleman down to Breamman, for example, moving right into the Scottsboro area.

[00:02:56]So, Jackson County coming out of Marshall County and a lot more widespread rain moving to our north. But this is the feature we're watching here this morning off to our southwest in Mississippi. This is what's going to track to the north and northeast bringing that threat for strong to maybe even severe storms developing by late morning. Temperatures now are in the upper 60s to low 70s for today. High of 79 with a breezy wind from the southeast.

[00:03:22]This is your 48 First Alert road report sponsored by Bankston Motor Homes.

[00:03:28]>> Tracking some traffic here for you this morning. There were a few accidents earlier. Right now there are no accidents to report which is good. The triangle call it Athens Decater to Huntsville back to Athens looks pretty good. 72 565 31 up and over Memorial Bridge looks good. All arteries into Huntsville look good as well, including 53 up and over Chapman Mountain and Monoseno look good. If you're driving on Governor's Drive, you may hit the brakes briefly at some of the lights by the hospital. But other than that, you're doing pretty good. Here are your drive times and have a safe Friday morning commute. Gina, >> Jeff, thank you. Doctors at Huntsville Hospital say they're using AI chat bots to pull up the latest medical research while treating patients.

[00:04:05]>> Yeah, doctors can type in a clinical question and get an answer in seconds, even with citations that they can check themselves. 48 Sarah Grace Kennedy joins us live in front of Huntsville Hospital.

[00:04:15]and Sarah Grace, a physician there, tells you that tools like this help doctors keep up with the latest information.

[00:04:25]Paul Tabaro, a physician at Huntsville Hospital, tells me that doctors have always use research tools, but AI is a newer and faster way for them to pull a lot of information all at once without having to flip through textbooks or journals. And Taro tells me that this tool only pulls information from cited peer-reviewed journals so doctors can check the sources themselves. He says it's only meant to provide medical information to doctors, not make medical decisions for them. He says this tool is not used directly with patients yet.

[00:04:55]Instead, they use it behind the scenes while they're thinking through the right treatments and care. Tero says that a as AI grows, patients should be told when it's used with oversight to protect patients. He adds that the platform does protect patients identities.

[00:05:10]>> So when questions are asked to this tool, patient information is not typically used. Despite that, these are still HIPPA compliant products, meaning that they have and and meet the standard to protect patient information if it were by chance utilized in a question.

[00:05:26]However, on a typical question, we wouldn't we wouldn't be asking specifics that include anything related to the patient's name or specific PHI.

[00:05:39]and he believes in the future that AI will be used for note-taking to give doctors more face-toface time with their patients. Live in Huntsville, Sarah Grace Kennedy, 48 on your side.

[00:05:50]>> All right, thanks Sarah Grace. Well, a letter from a recently demoted Bridgeport assistant police chief is raising some concerns about leadership within the department. Mercedes Reggard was a former assistant police chief there. He's accusing police chief Lee Hinegher of misconduct, including problems with how evidence is logged and secured. She claims that some drugs and guns were left unsecured and not properly recorded. Hineer denies the allegations and says that Regard was demoted from assistant chief for missing shifts and for an accidental weapons discharge that she didn't report. He believes the demotion sparked the letter which she wrote to city council. City leaders have met with both and the mayor says that currently the investigation is handled internally.

[00:06:33]>> A big hit now to the racing world.

[00:06:35]NASCAR star Kyle Bush, a two-time Cup Series champion, has died at 41 years old. He passed just hours after his family said he was in the hospital with a severe illness. In a statement, NASCAR called Bush a once in a generation talent who built a passionate fan base known as Rowdy Nation. Bush won 63 races and titles in 2015 and 2019 and was still racing, including a truck series win last weekend. Fans say they're heartbroken by the loss.

[00:07:05]>> Very, very sad. Um, pretty much devastated.

[00:07:10]I was just like, you've got to be kidding me. But they were like, no, we're not kidding.

[00:07:15]>> NASCAR officials say plans to honor Bush are currently in the works. His official cause of death has not been released.

[00:07:23]Well, Alabama voters have overwhelmingly voted to approve expanding a NAIS law, which lets judges deny bail for some violent criminal offenses. The expansion adds shooting into an occupied vehicle or building and attempted murder, or trying to hire someone to commit murder.

[00:07:38]The law, first passed in 2022, already covered crimes like first-degree kidnapping, rape, and robbery. It's named for Anniah Blanchard, who was kidnapped and killed in 2019 by a man who was out on bond for a previous violent offense. Her mother, Angela Harris, says the change means everything to their family.

[00:07:56]>> We can't have her back, but through her fight, she is saving so many lives. And that is that's the most amazing thing that somebody could do, right? Is save lives. Now, Harris says that she wants to keep pushing to add more crimes to this law, especially sexual assault.

[00:08:21]The girly community is sharing their thoughts about a dangerous railroad crossing where family was recently killed. 8-year-old McKinley Davis and her father Keegan were hit by a train at the Salty Bottom Road crossing last week and died. Her sister Molly was hospitalized but survived. Over the past three years in Alabama, more than 65% of crashes at railroad crossings happened at ones with no gates, just like the one in Gurley. Plans to add a gate there in 2022 were dropped because local leaders did not provide a required 10% funding match. Now, families are pushing for change through an online petition and asking the city and county for answers.

[00:09:00]It breaks my heart that that they have to go through this for such a an unnecessary reason. I don't understand the justification on how they would put bars down there but not put them here with all the resources that we have available. Lights if nothing else, flashing lights.

[00:09:20]48's Nick Ballinger has a deeper dive into this story. He talked to local officials and has the steps they're taking to address this. You can check it out on waf.com.

[00:09:33]>> Well, now to a 48 recall alert. More than 120,000 orb funky squeeze toys are being recalled because the sand inside of them may contain asbestous. Now, if the asbestous dust gets into the air and you or your child breathes it in, it can be a health risk. If the toy is broken open, follow the company's special disposal instructions so you don't spread dust. These toys were sold at Walmart in Ali's from February of 2025 through April of this year. You can contact the Orb factory for a refund. No injuries have been reported. With oil prices still rising, officials are warning that gas siphoning is becoming a bigger problem. Police in Nashville say a man was arrested after cameras caught him taking gas from a work van on Wednesday. Investigators say he used a screwdriver to puncture the fuel tank, draining about $70 worth of gas. It also caused thousands of dollars in damage to the van. The business manager says the man was only on the property for about 10 minutes before leaving.

[00:10:33]>> There was a bunch of liquid underneath one of our work vans. And as he delved into it a little bit more, we found out that there was it was gasoline and it was pouring out of our gas tanks. People are they're desperate to take care of themselves right now because the cost of living gasoline has gotten so high.

[00:10:52]>> Officers say to always park in well-lit areas and use secure lots when you can.

[00:10:58]>> Well, Memorial Day is almost here and millions of Americans are expected to travel by car this holiday weekend. Now, that's happening as those gas prices continue to climb. They're at their highest level in four years. Now, since the conflict with Iran began, gas prices are up more than 50% from late a from late February. Experts say many people are still traveling, though, and many some are choosing shorter trips, going to closer destinations, or even finding cheaper activities. Now, here's a look at some of the gas prices. Currently, the national average for gas is $455 per gallon. Alabama's average is sitting at $416.

[00:11:34]All of this according to AAA. Decatur is getting ready for one of the biggest music festivals in our region and country music stars will take the stage at Rock the South June 11th through the 13th. After years in Coleman, the festival is moving to a larger site along Gordon Terry Parkway in Decar. And city leaders expect bigger crowds. Now to help with more places to stay, the city is now accepting applications for up to 150 short-term rentals. This was something that was previously illegal indicator.

[00:12:07]>> Applications are starting to come in. I think it's been a little bit slower than expected, but that is okay. So, we have a lot of hotels and there's also a RV camping uh option for people at Rock the South. We just wanted to allow people, those that wanted to use their home every opportunity they could.

[00:12:22]>> Police and state troopers say you should expect heavy traffic and parking changes. Well, we now know who will be the next CEO of the US Space and Rocket Center. This was announced yesterday.

[00:12:33]Tina Tucker has been selected to lead Alabama's top paid tourist attraction.

[00:12:37]She currently serves as CEO of Huntsville based aerospace company Pinnacle Solutions. Center officials say Tucker's aerospense and defense background make her a strong fit for the role. She takes over after former CEO Dr. Kimberly Robinson retired in August, shortly before a state audit was released. the charisma, the passion, uh, loves what she's doing, loves to be involved, loves STEM education, loves, uh, uh, technology, uh, modeling simulation. I mean, it's it's just kind of a a a natural or a great career path for her. The stars were aligned, uh, for to have her type of leadership with us.

[00:13:15]So, we're excited. Great news.

[00:13:17]>> Tucker's contract is still being finalized, but her start date is set for July 6th.

[00:13:23]Today is a 48 First Alert Weather Day sponsored by Mr. Router Plumbing for all your emergency plumbing services.

[00:13:31]>> 7:13 on a Friday First Alert Weather Day morning. By late morning into the afternoon, we are anticipating strong to potentially even severe storms to start to develop across the Tennessee Valley.

[00:13:42]Pretty low confidence in the threat for any brief spin- up tornadoes. And we're looking at more of a straight line wind and heavy rain threat along with a lot of lightning, too. And unfortunately, this pattern that started on Wednesday brought us multiple rounds of rain and storms since Wednesday morning. It does continue as we go into your long Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, Sunday, and especially Monday will all bring chances for rain showers and storms. It will not rain and storm for the entire weekend. You have outside plans as do I.

[00:14:10]It will be very humid at any given time.

[00:14:13]Could see some delays or interruptions to some of those outside weekend plans.

[00:14:17]Saturday is actually trending a bit drier when we look at some of the model data coming in this morning, which is great news obviously, especially with the Alabama Jubilee going on. That's just one of a plethora of events. But Sunday and especially Monday, those are trending to be some of the wetter days.

[00:14:32]We go out to the radar right now. We actually have a lot going on to our west and southwest coming out of Columbus, Mississippi near the Air Force base here. Just this little feature here, that's what we're watching. And that's going to continue to lift to the north and northeast as we go into late morning. And that's potentially going to bring us the threat for strong to severe storms. Best case scenario, we just see a lot more rainfall, not too much rain leading to flash flooding and it minimizes our threat for severe storms, but still possible late morning into the afternoon. That's the reason we're putting out the first alert weather day for today. And we do have all that humidity with a dupoint in the 60s to low 70s all the way through the weekend.

[00:15:10]So kind of that air you can wear effect.

[00:15:12]We've got a breezy wind from the south and southeast, maybe gusting over 20 mph. Here's a look at your next 12 hours. Showers and storms developing.

[00:15:20]Some could pack a punch. We'll be watching that closely as we go through the day today. You're watching your 48 Fast Cast wherever you stream. We'll be right back.

[00:15:41]Heat. Heat.

[00:16:30]on Alabama Memorial day weekend tradition returns to the skies in the river city.

[00:16:36]>> Yeah, the Alabama Jubilee hot air uh hot air balloon classic back at Point Mard Park in Decar with activities happening rain or shine. Let's get right to 48's Matthew King. He joins us live from Point Mard Park. And Matthew, a lot goes into preparing this major festival.

[00:16:54]Yeah, normally when you consider rain chances for a holiday weekend, you might think about getting your umbrella ready to go, staying inside, but that actually impacts the way that these uh hot air balloons are actually able to get up in the sky. This is a highly weather dependent event, being able to create this spectacle of hot air balloons, though. That means not the right right wind conditions to be able to go up, no rain, and no lightning in the area in order to make sure these pilots can safely navigate the skies for this Jubilee Classic. Now, if the weather is an issue this weekend, there are other activities here indicated for people to take a chance at here at Point Mallard Park. Behind me is a tent set up.

[00:17:29]They're getting lots of food ready to go. There's going to be arts and crafts and a big gathering here at Point Mallard. It is free to uh enter the the event here. And there's lots to check out. But the if the main spectacle here, those hot air balloons, is able to go, that would be about 6:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday mornings and then 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday evenings.

[00:17:48]We are watching what the weather will look like. Eric Burke says some of that opportunity is opening up a little bit more. Pilots here are hoping they get a chance to go up in the skies. Reporting live in Decator, Matthew King, 48 on your side.

[00:18:01]>> All right, thanks Matthew. Well, US Senate leaders have canled a plan funding vote. This comes after some Republicans are raising concerns about the president's nearly $ 1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. Now, the proposal would use taxpayer dollars to repay people who say they were unfairly prosecuted under the Biden administration. This could include some of the January 6th defendants who were later pardoned by President Trump.

[00:18:25]Several GOP senators said they don't support paying that money and still have major questions even after a briefing from the acting attorney general. The disagreement shows some cracks inside of the Republican party as lawmakers question the president's agenda.

[00:18:39]Republicans are also pushing back on a separate request for $1 billion tied to White House ballroom security.

[00:18:51]America 250 celebrations are already taking place with a kickoff event at the Alabama State Capital. Yesterday was just one of many events gearing up for the nation's 250th birthday. A crowd filled the Capitol steps as the building was draped with a massive American flag.

[00:19:09]Randy Owen of the band Alabama performed and an F-35 flyover also took place.

[00:19:15]Leaders say the celebration wasn't only about honoring the past, but also showed more about the state's future.

[00:19:21]>> Alabama fosters the opportunity for economic growth to occur. And that's something we're proud of about our state. We're proud of our economy has continued to grow and we look forward to more in the future.

[00:19:35]>> Organizers say the celebrations are also bringing communities together and inspiring the next generation.

[00:19:49]Well, WF48 is giving local singers a chance to perform on a national stage with the Star Spangled Singoff. You can enter by submitting a video of yourself singing the national anthem ac cappella.

[00:20:01]No music, just your voice. Submissions open now through May 31st on our website. Viewers will then vote for their favorites. The top singer from North Alabama will advance to regional competition and then one final winner will be selected. The grand prize, a trip to Nashville to record a professionally produced version of the Star Spangled Banner.

[00:20:23]Well, we're talking about a traffic alert now in Dicab County. Crews will start working on part of I59 southbound near the Georgia state line after Memorial Day. This will be on the portion of the interstate from the state line to about a mile north of the US 11 overpass. Part of the road will be shut down. Crews expect work to be done by February of 2029.

[00:20:44]>> Well, as graduation season continues, more high school students are taking the stage to get their diplomas. In Huntsville, several high school graduations are happening today. That includes Artemis Virtual Academy, New Century Tech, Lee, and Huntsville High School. All those ceremonies will be taking place at the VBC. Now, due to those graduations, Huntsville police are warning you to expect some heavy traffic downtown. Delays are most likely to happen near Clinton Avenue, Monroe Street, and Church Street starting around 11 or 11:30 a.m. Now, this will last throughout the day. They're advising you to plan extra time, watch for pedestrians, and also follow officers who are directing traffic. Now, crews are also set to begin working downtown at Big Spring Park in Huntsville and upgrading Church Street.

[00:21:26]The site of the old city hall will soon be integrated into the park, and officials are also looking to do some work on Church Street to improve safety there. Some of the new features will include a new crosswalk and treeline medium. Lane closures will begin next Tuesday on Church Street. Work on the road will continue through August. The entire project is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.

[00:21:48]Today is a 48 First Alert weather day sponsored by Mr. Router Plumbing for all your emergency plumbing services.

[00:21:56]>> 7:21 and whenever you're watching this 48 Fast Cast, but yes, today is a 48 First Alert weather day. A little more confidence and potentially some more organized storms rolling in by late morning into the afternoon. Potentially strong to severe in nature. I know we've had multiple rounds of storms on Wednesday and Thursday, but today is probably the most organized threat. Even more spin or shear in the atmosphere and that could produce a brief spin- up tornado. Pretty low confidence in that at this time. Potential for damaging straight line wind, a lot more heavy rain. The ground is already saturated.

[00:22:28]You get a lot of runoff could lead to some isolated flooding, some urban flooding or road flooding, and also frequent cloud ground lightning. So, let's go through the day hour by hour.

[00:22:37]By mid to late morning, we're expecting the first wave of scattered to numerous showers and storms to move in. These storms could potentially become severe in nature with the threat for not only damaging wind, but that low-end tornado threat. We'll be watching that very closely as we go into the afternoon and also into the evening drive. But future radar actually has us drying out by Friday evening. Would love to see that happen overnight tonight into tomorrow morning. Starting off your Saturday, probably just some light scattered showers, maybe some occasional thunder and lightning. It won't be too windy.

[00:23:09]Now we have the Alabama Jubilee going on and those hot air balloons. the such a weather dependent event. But the pilots and event organizers, they will make that final game time decision. But Saturday on the model date, it is actually looking a whole lot better. It will be very humid day, but still plenty of dry hours to enjoy time outside. As we go into Sunday morning, potentially a round of showers and storms continuing into the afternoon and evening. And unfortunately, the wetest day of all is likely going to be Memorial Day Monday itself. But hopefully get some time to enjoy some time out at the pool because uh yeah, that's what this uh this long weekend, the start to summer is all about for many folks. But looking at anywhere from 2 to 4 ines of additional rainfall coming our way. Here's a look at your afternoon. We are anticipating those strong to severe storms to wrap up later this evening. A lot of heavy rain possible over the weekend, but not a wash out. Just expect some interruptions or delays to those outside plans. 15 minutes to maybe up to two hours at times. Kind of depends on how things develop.

[00:24:11]>> I'm really hoping they're able to get those balloons up in the air indicating this.

[00:24:14]>> Very cool to see. Yeah, absolutely.

[00:24:16]>> All right, y'all. Thanks for joining us.

[00:24:18]We'll have more news, weather, and traffic in just a couple of minutes on air, so join us there.