WTUG-FM (Tuscaloosa, AL)

According to the National Weather Service, parts of our coverage area in West Alabama have the potential for damaging winds and a potential for hail up to the size of a quarter, with a risk level of 1/5. Walker County Fayette County Lamar County Pickens County Tuscaloosa County Bibb County Perry County Hale County Greene County Wind gusts up to 60 mph and large hail up to the size of a quarter are possible.

Former Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold was arrested in June on three counts of kidnapping, three counts of armed robbery, one count of conspiracy to kidnap, and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery in connection with an incident in Tampa, Florida, in February.

An 81-year-old Northport motorcyclist has died after a Saturday crash on U.S. 43 just north of the city, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey said Roy H. Giles, 81, was operating a 2009 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle when it struck the rear of a 1998 Ford F-250 pickup driven by a Boligee man at approximately 10:32 a.m. this past Saturday. Bailey said Giles was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Tuscaloosa's DCH Health System has earned Stryker's Environmental Excellence Platinum Award, becoming the only health system in Alabama to receive the recognition at its highest level. The award, presented through Stryker's Sustainability Solutions program, honors healthcare organizations that demonstrate exceptional environmental impact through waste reduction, natural resource conservation, and more sustainable healthcare practices.

The Vance man shot by Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's deputies during a warrant service that also left his sister dead has been jailed more than a month after the incident, following his release from medical treatment. As the Thread has previously reported, TCSO deputies arrived at a Gladys Drive residence in Vance at approximately 5 a.m. on May 28 to arrest Ricky Dale Adkins, 36, on an active felony warrant.

A miner died Wednesday evening after being found unresponsive underground at an active Tuscaloosa County coal mine, and no foul play is suspected, according to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit. Justin Calloway, 24, of Cordova, was reportedly found unresponsive at a Warrior Met Coal facility in the 22000 block of Highway 69 North in Berry at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday. He was transported to the surface but did not survive.

West Alabama faces a risk of active weather today, Thursday, July 2, along with hot, humid conditions. James Spann, Alabama Weather Network Chief Meteorologist, said, “Like yesterday, scattered thunderstorms will form during the peak of the heat, mainly over the northern half of the state.” While I was out yesterday afternoon, I ran into a storm system, but what really caught my attention was the lightning. As a self-proclaimed weather nerd, I found it pretty impressive.

The “Heat Advisory” issued by the National Weather Service in Birmingham has been extended through Friday, July 3, at 9 p.m. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses. In addition, today and tomorrow are considered MAJOR heat risk days. The West Alabama region is included in this “Heat Advisory,” covering Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is inviting the community to support local mothers-to-be, fathers-to-be and growing families during the Hale County Community Baby Shower and Donation Drive. The "Today's Mom" Drop & Go Drive-Thru Baby Shower and Donation Drive will be held Friday, July 10, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Hale County Extension Office, located at 701 Hall Street in Greensboro.

West Alabama families in need of diaper assistance will soon have two opportunities to enroll in a federally funded program providing free diapers, pull-ups and wipes. Community Service Programs of West Alabama has partnered with the Heavenly Hiney Diaper Bank to offer eligible families diaper assistance for the months of July, August and September.