48 FASTCAST

[00:01:05]You're watching 48 Fast Cast.

[00:01:08]Uh 48 Fast Cast, 48 First Alert today, too. Why? Strong storms, mainly afternoon. We'll track them. Wind, rain, frequent lightning. Uh keep in mind, any kind of wind gust that we have, ground's pretty saturated. Uh earlier this week, we had some storms that were probably like 30-40 mph winds, and they were knocking trees over left and right. I don't think that will quite be the case today, but we'll certainly be watching it here this morning, and when the storms start to develop and start to move across the Tennessee Valley through the early evening hours. Huntsville Parkway right now, clouds have moved in.

[00:01:35]Temperature 75. I'm highly concerned about my high temperature forecast today. I went 90, but as I mentioned earlier, it's all going to hinge on where the storms set up. If Huntsville International Airport gets a storm at like 1:00, we ain't hitting 90 at that airport. I'll tell you that right now.

[00:01:50]But, one thing that we'll all have in common, no matter where your temperatures end up today after starting in the 70s, we're all going to be extremely humid throughout the day.

[00:01:58]That's going to spark some storms that fire up and make them big-time rainmakers if you have one. The storm threat will continue through about 5:00 6:00, taper off to some lingering showers in the evening, and once the rain moves out, it still stays humid for the weekend, and we are tracking sometimes when it's actually going to be dry for the weekend and you can be outdoors. I'll have more on your Saturday and Sunday forecast on the way.

[00:02:18]>> This is your 48 [music] First Alert Road Report, sponsored by Bankston Motor Homes.

[00:02:23]>> All right, we just had an icon pop up here right near the Hudson Memorial Bridge in Decatur. A vehicle is on fire right there. So, that is what's causing those delays if you are trying to get into Decatur this morning. Just be aware if you are traveling through here, this is causing a pretty significant backup and has been for at least an hour or so now. Taking you now to the Huntsville metro where we're looking good. We are quiet, really quiet across the board.

[00:02:50]Drive times Decatur to Huntsville will take you about 22 minutes. Hampton Cove to Huntsville will take you about 13.

[00:02:56]Jonathan.

[00:02:58]>> All right, thanks, Zena. Well, if you plan to be outside today or any near any body of water, be aware that there are some scaly animals in Alabama.

[00:03:05]>> Yeah, alligator sightings starting to pick up around the Tennessee Valley as the temperatures rise. 48's Matthew King joins us live now in South Huntsville, and Matthew, you actually spotted a gator yourself right there this week.

[00:03:21]>> Yeah, it's been twice this week, and while there's no gator right here this morning, it's still very likely that it could be out in this area here off Hazenland Road. I'm told this is a very normal time of year for them to be out on the water. And it is this time of year you're most likely to see a gator in a body of water in the state of Alabama. Mary Ann Golden with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division says it's finally warm enough for cold-blooded reptiles to be outside. Alligators have lived in North Alabama for decades, and Golden says they're not out to harm any humans. However, she says, you should leave them alone, let them be, and especially don't approach to take pictures or feed them.

[00:03:58]>> Seeing an alligator is not a problem.

[00:04:00]That's wildlife watching. It's completely normal to see alligators doing normal alligator things, which may mean they're on the bank, or they're swimming by, or they're out in the water. But any alligator that is approaching people, or coming towards commotion, needs to be reported to the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division to be evaluated about whether or not this alligator is a nuisance and a potential problem.

[00:04:25]>> And that law applies to any gator that you could find, whether that's here at a public park or in your private neighborhood pond. You're asked to stay away from the gators, not approach them, and you're especially not allowed to feed them under law, and you're not allowed to harm them under majority of circumstances. Reporting live in Huntsville, Matthew King, 48 on your side.

[00:04:45]>> Matthew, thank you. Several Somerville homeowners tell us they do not want a proposed Bitcoin data mining center moving in next door. Residents who live along Union Road say they're worried about changes to their community, including heavy truck traffic, road damage, and large power lines. Volt Core representatives met with neighbors privately, but residents say no one supported the plan. Locals were told the center would not bring about noise, higher power bills, or water issues, and could create up to 30 jobs. The project would be built on 15 acres, but it would require easements from four homeowners, so Joe Wheeler Electric Co-op can install major power lines.

[00:05:25]>> I went door-to-door. Um everybody is extremely against this. They don't want it. They don't want anything it brings.

[00:05:33]>> We started questioning them, cuz uh obviously we're against it from the very beginning. The more we started questioning them, the more more we are against it. They start sprinkling things on top that they might be offering. Um but you know, that white speck on bird poop, that's still poop. It don't make it no better.

[00:05:46]>> Neighbors say they're not agreeing despite offers like cash, free internet, a natural gas line, and land restoration. Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long says the county cannot stop it, but says if residents don't want it, he won't support it, either.

[00:06:01]>> Well, getting around Huntsville could get a little easier if a new Interstate project moves forward. A city leader say the I-65 565 interchange is a major congestion problem, and they're urging ALDOT to take action. They want a traffic study on adding a new I-65 exit in Limestone County between exit 340 at 565 and exit 347 at Huntsville Brownsferry Road. Officials say I-65 is overcrowded during peak commute times, and city leaders argue that it could save some money to have a new exit there rather than to do some major interchange upgrades.

[00:06:34]>> A cheaper alternative from a, you know, 3 to 400 million-dollar interchange improvement project uh could possibly be looking between the Huntsville-Brownsferry exit and I-565, a new interchange that could be in the 30-million-dollar range or 40-million-dollar range that would provide connection into the growth corridor.

[00:06:55]>> So, we'll keep you updated on whether that proposal gets approved.

[00:06:58]>> Some Gurley residents are pleading for safety improvements after a father and his young daughter were killed at a train crossing. At the city council meeting last night, neighbors asked Huntsville city leaders to push for gates and warning lights at the Salty Bottom Road crossing. They say the crossing has no stop arms or flashing lights, and some spoke about other serious crashes there in years past.

[00:07:22]Residents also noted many train accidents in Alabama happen at crossings without gates, and an anonymous donor has even offered up to $50,000 to help cover the city's share.

[00:07:33]>> We're desperate for something to be done at these crossings.

[00:07:36]>> Just tears me up, you know, that they wouldn't anything protection there that he that wouldn't protect their life.

[00:07:45]>> Council members pledge to look into making that crossing safer. Councilman David Little says he'll speak with city engineers and follow up as he learns more.

[00:07:55]A Huntsville man charged with murder in connection to a deadly fight has been indicted. This happened last year when police got a call about a fight on Torrance Drive in Huntsville. Tyler Powell was arrested and charged with attempted murder. That charge was then upgraded to murder after the victim Kevin Bailey died a few days later.

[00:08:14]>> Well, this morning multiple rescue teams are resuming a search for a man who was last seen near a body of water in Lauderdale County. 48-year-old Marcus Deweese from Tennessee was last seen near Shoal Creek on Waters Edge Drive.

[00:08:26]He was wearing a gray shirt and khaki shorts. The sheriff's office, Florence dive team, and Killen Fire and Rescue are helping in the rescue effort. Anyone who has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 911.

[00:08:38]>> Decatur police are asking for you to be on the lookout for a man accused of trying to run over an off-duty officer several years back. Authorities say he skipped out on his trial. Gregory Hill was caught on camera trying to hit officer Jack Brown with his Jeep twice back in 2023.

[00:08:54]He missed court earlier this week and is now a wanted fugitive. Hill was indicted for attempted murder. A warrant has now been issued for his arrest. If you see him or know where he is, call police.

[00:09:06]>> Well, 1 year after taking the helm of the Decatur Police Department, Chief Tory Mack says that he's encouraged by the progress his officers have made.

[00:09:14]Mack was sworn in last year after former Chief Todd Pinion stepped down amid public pressure. That came following the police shooting death of Steve Perkins.

[00:09:22]Mack believes the department is rebuilding trust with the community. He also points to a nearly 50% drop in violent crime over the past year as a key sign of improvement.

[00:09:32]>> That was one of the the biggest achievements.

[00:09:35]Um you want to make it safe.

[00:09:38]Um the safer the city, the more revenue, the more business that will come in.

[00:09:42]And and that was We got a lot of work to do because this is just what, June?

[00:09:49]And I don't I don't want to jinx it, but right now I checked the numbers yesterday and it's still trending.

[00:09:56]>> Now, Max says while he was planning for retirement, God had different plans.

[00:10:01]Well, 7:09 this morning and Decatur city leaders are encouraging you to shop local in Decatur.

[00:10:06]>> Yeah, although Rock the South has been postponed until the fall, city leaders still want you to come out, support local businesses, and enjoy a fun weekend anyway. 48 Sarah Grace Kennedy joins us now live in Decatur this morning and Sarah Grace tourism officials put together a weekend itinerary to help people find events, live music, and other things to do around town.

[00:10:32]>> Well, tonight's itinerary here in Decatur includes plenty of live music at restaurants across the city. You can even squeeze in 18 holes of golf at the newly renovated Point Mallard golf course. And the Decatur Morgan County tourism president, Danielle Gibson, tells me that this is all an effort to help local businesses who are really counting on this weekend. She tells me that local hotels were gearing up for a packed weekend and while there have been some cancellations, some are now offering discounted rates. And if you are already here, she says hotels have that weekend itinerary to help you find things to do. She also says attractions are open too with special activities at the Cook Museum along with Point Mallard water park. Gibson even says that with the festival postponed, they're still inviting people to come to Decatur and make a weekend out of it. So, we really want to encourage people to maybe do some staycations or encourage people to have a girlfriend's getaway and experience all the things that we have to offer. It's just going to be a fun weekend and we really want people to come out and support our local businesses that were ready and prepared to welcome all of these guests, as well.

[00:11:42]>> And the website to access the full weekend guide should be at the bottom of your screen now. She also tells me that if you're a business that's hosting an event this weekend, make sure to reach out to them so that they can include it in the itinerary. I'm Ann Marie Kennedy, 48 on your side.

[00:11:59]>> Today [music] is a 48 First Alert Weather Day, sponsored by Mr. Rooter Plumbing for all your emergency plumbing services.

[00:12:05]>> A 48 First Alert Weather Day. This is not a widespread severe weather day at all, but what we'll have is we'll have times when it's raining, not so much right now. There's a lot of clouds building in right now, but we'll track some storms throughout the day. When you have a storm, it's a big rain maker and some gusty winds, but there'll be lots of areas that aren't dealing with any rain at that particular time, and we'll just be watching the radar throughout much of the day, especially towards the early afternoon, when we have a First Alert impact across the area. Heavy rain, some gusty winds, and some lightning and storms. Very typical run-of-the-mill kind of thunderstorms.

[00:12:35]But uh anytime you have some gusty winds, especially with all the rain that we've had recently, where the ground's very wet, we'll have to keep an eye on any extra storm reports that we may have with trees coming down. It happened earlier this week. We didn't have much in the way of wind with some of the storms, and all of a sudden trees were just dropping everywhere. I don't think that'll be the case today, but we'll be watching closely. Also watching the chance for an isolated thunderstorm on Saturday. Still hot, still humid Saturday. The rain today, there's no cool air behind it. It does drop temperature-wise on Sunday, but that's only because there's more clouds and rainfall. It's still humid, but some big changes take place early next week. I'll have much more coming up in your 10-day forecast. For now, you're watching 48 Fast Cast, and we will be right back.

[00:14:16]>> Well, the search for the second suspect in the Huntsville arson case has come to an end. Christopher Robertson was found dead in Cullman County on Thursday morning. Robertson and Kristen Slaton were wanted for their for setting fire to their home in Madison County before fleeing to Cullman. They were also charged in a murder-for-hire case.

[00:14:35]Officials say that Slaton and Robertson hired a hitman to kill Slaton's husband, but he found out and turned them in.

[00:14:41]Slaton's body was found Wednesday.

[00:14:43]Police are still unsure if Robertson is responsible for her death. An update on an Alabama death row inmate scheduled for execution originally on Thursday.

[00:14:52]The US Supreme Court has blocked the state's appeal to execute Jeffrey Lee using gas, effectively putting his death on hold. A federal judge ruled earlier in the week that nitrogen hypoxia violates constitutional bans on cruel and unusual punishment. Lee has been on death row for over two decades for a double murder in 1998. Critics of the ruling point out Alabama has already carried out seven other executions through nitrogen hypoxia since 2024. In an official statement, Governor Ivey says that he is committed to getting justice for his victims.

[00:15:23]>> Protesters against the death penalty gathered outside the governor's mansion Thursday evening. Two groups, the ACLU and Death Penalty Action, have been pushing for Governor Ivey to take action in Lee's favor. Leaders say Lee's case isn't their only concern. They want the death penalty banned outright.

[00:15:41]>> We're here to stand for all the people that agree with us, but aren't able to come out or it's not their thing to come out.

[00:15:49]We're out to speak for a lot of people that oppose the death penalty here in Alabama and across the country.

[00:15:55]>> The governor's office also issued a statement saying the federal ruling only prevents the method, not the execution or not the conviction. Lee's death will be rescheduled. The future method is unclear.

[00:16:12]Well, after two nights of attacks in the Middle East, tensions de-escalated overnight after President Trump canceled another round of strikes. He says an agreement with Iran looks to be taking shape and says it would keep Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson says they have not made a final decision on this yet. A US official says American forces also shot down two Iranian drones that were trying to strike commercial strips ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The president says the new deal would stop the attacks and fully reopen the waterway. Trump says the documents could be finalized in the next few days with a possible signing in Europe as soon as this weekend. But officials say tensions remain and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are still watching closely.

[00:16:57]>> And we're also looking at prices at the pump this morning as the national average remains at $4.12.

[00:17:03]Alabama's average is also staying at $3.73, which is down 13 cents from last week.

[00:17:08]Here locally in North Alabama, Madison County drivers are seeing gas prices at $3.72 on average. The lowest prices are in in North Alabama or in Marshall County at around $3.61.

[00:17:20]The highest are in Jackson County with prices around $3.76.

[00:17:25]>> Covering your community in Albertville where school leaders say they're working to keep up with the city's rapid growth.

[00:17:31]The school district broke ground yesterday on a new athletic center designed to give female students more space for sports and activities. City leaders say the under 18 population has jumped nearly 30% over the past decade and they're seeing about 450 students per grade level which has put a major strain on schools.

[00:17:51]>> Well, they don't have to cancel now. And for this facility they can train. You know, we'll probably have bicycles and treadmills and and other things in there. By and large that's going to be a dedicated space for our female athletes for them to train and improve and you know, it's it's a wonderful day.

[00:18:08]>> Officials say they're also planning a new school for pre-K, kindergarten and first graders later this year.

[00:18:15]Happening today, Huntsville Police's DUI Task Force is conducting sobriety checkpoints aimed at keeping you safe on the roads. Police say officers will be watching for drivers under the influence and other traffic violations. So, make sure you have your license, insurance and registration handy. Some of the checkpoints are listed on your screen right now. Officers are reminding you to plan a safe ride if you have been out drinking.

[00:18:40]>> Today is [music] a 48 First Alert Weather Day sponsored by Mr. Rooter Plumbing for all your emergency plumbing services.

[00:18:48]>> Uh the past few days have been hot and humid feel like temperatures 95 to 100.

[00:18:52]Today is going to be hot and humid but probably not the main concern because we have a 48 First Alert Weather Day for some storms that will track across the area. Not a widespread severe weather kind of day but an impactful day for those of you who have storms throughout the day and even though we're waking up with temperatures in the 70s like we did the last two mornings. It is actually more humid out there this morning than it was on Wednesday and Thursday and today will likely be a more humid day just not as hot because your temperature is 75 in Huntsville. It's going to rise in the morning but with more clouds and eventually some storms that's going to keep the temperatures probably a lot closer to 90 degrees probably more like 87 88 but the feel like temperatures will be way up in the 90s though cuz it will be so humid. So tracking some storms for today forecast models flipping back and forth a little bit on the timing of it but right now it looks like at some point through the late morning and early afternoon we'll start tracking some rainfall and it will impact areas west at first and then it will move east. I think this particular line of coverage here is a bit overdone by 4:00. Like I think it's going to be scaled way back and this is going to be more of a localized wind and rain maker throughout the afternoon and even at 6:00 p.m. this is a bit much I think.

[00:20:04]More rain for maybe Jackson to Cab County but the overall area of rainfall will shrink back really fast in the evening and it's mainly dry during the overnight. There'll be some fog that develops that may impact your plans for Saturday morning but besides an isolated shower or storm much of Saturday will be a dry day and it will be near 90 degrees. It's still going to be very humid even though we have some rain today it's still going to be very humid on Saturday and whatever rain we miss out on Saturday it looks like on Sunday a higher chance of rain will move back in the Tennessee Valley. Once this rainfall here with some rain and storms on Sunday slips east just a slight chance of a shower or storm Monday Tuesday and Wednesday and the best part about that forecast is look at your high temperatures now for Monday and Tuesday.

[00:20:46]Brad dropped them to like 79 last night and I am full support of that. It's just going to be really nice. If we can dodge the storms and rain showers Monday Tuesday Wednesday that'll be a refreshing change to the forecast before the rainfall ramps back up by the end of the week. Some of that rainfall next Thursday Friday Saturday and Sunday could be heavy at times.

[00:21:04]>> Okay. All right. Well, look forward to this weekend of course. Potentially hopefully we'll avoid some of this one in certain areas.

[00:21:09]>> Yeah, definitely. [music] >> Yeah. All right, we are on air for more news, weather, and traffic in just a few minutes, so join us there.