Alabama
Storm blows roof off courthouse
A storm that blew through Alabama overnight Saturday into Sunday morning took the roof off the Limestone County Courthouse and caused damage to the Square in downtown Athens.
“The roof has been blown off of the courthouse and this could have been caused by an extremely brief tornado,” WAFF TV 48 meteorologist Chelsea Aaron posted on X this morning.
The town square in Athens was littered with storm damage, including downed Christmas decorations, limbs and bricks, the City of Athens reported. The Square around the courthouse remains closed Sunday morning to allow clean-up to begin.
READ MORE: Overnight storms leave damage behind across Alabama
At the height of the storm, some 2,500 homes in the Athens area were without power but that number had been cut to 750 by 8 a.m. Sunday morning, Limestone County EMA reported.
“The Downtown Athens area and the Alabama Veterans Museum experienced significant wind damage last night,” State Rep. Andy Whitt posted on X. “Tree and power line damage were also reported in Madison and Limestone County. We’re incredibly thankful there were no injuries reported. A big thank you to our EMS and public works teams for their hard work and quick response. Your dedication means everything! It was a long night for many.”
The city said clean-up crews and utility workers were in the area Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service in Huntsville will conduct a survey today to determine if the damage was caused by a tornado.
Alabama
19 tornadoes now confirmed after weekend storms in Alabama
The tornado count from weekend severe weather stood at 19 late Tuesday, according to information from the National Weather Service offices across the state.
There’s still a chance that the number could climb. The weather service was finishing up storm surveys as of Tuesday and had plans to look at a few additional areas.
Most of the 19 tornadoes happened in central Alabama and were brief EF0s (see the preliminary report on those storms here). There was also one in north Alabama and two in south Alabama.
All the tornadoes were EF1s or EF0s. The strongest in terms of wind speed was an EF1 with 110 mph winds in St. Clair County.
The 19 tornadoes are from the storms that affected the state Dec. 28 into Dec. 29. There was also another tornado in Mobile County on Dec. 27, an EF1 with 90 mph winds.
None of the tornadoes has been blamed for causing any injuries.
Here’s a look at the tornadoes confirmed so far from Dec. 28-29:
1. Athens tornado (Limestone County) — Dec. 28, EF1, top winds 100 mph.
2. Faustinas tornado (Mobile County) — Dec. 28, EF0, top winds 80 mph.
3. Molloy tornado (Lamar County) — Dec. 28, EF1, top winds 105 mph.
4. Byson Road tornado (Lamar County) — Dec. 28, EF0, 65 mph winds.
5. Beaverton tornado (Lamar County) — Dec. 28, EF0, top winds 70 mph.
6. Sunny Home tornado (Marion County) — Dec. 28, EF0, top winds 75 mph.
7. El Gezria Road tornado (Shelby County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 80 mph.
8. Knight Place Road tornado (Lowndes County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 85 mph.
9. Coosa Island Road tornado (St. Clair County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 85 mph.
10. Roberts Mill Pond Road tornado (St. Clair County) — Dec. 29, EF1, top winds 110 mph.
11. Hargrove Lane tornado (Lowndes County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 70 mph.
12. Hope Hull tornado (Montgomery County) — Dec. 29, EF1, top winds 95 mph.
13. Mt. Zion Road tornado (Montgomery County) — Dec. 29, EF1, top winds 100 mph.
14. Cecil tornado (Montgomery County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 80 mph.
15. Jackson Road tornado (Macon County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 75 mph.
16. Shorter tornado (Macon County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 75 mph.
17. County Road 8 tornado (Macon County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 85 mph.
18. County Road 56 tornado (Macon County) — Dec. 29, EF0, top winds 60 mph.
19. Summerdale tornado (Baldwin County) — Dec. 29, EF1, top winds 95 mph.
Alabama
ReliaQuest Bowl Instant Analysis: Michigan 19, Alabama 13
TAMPA, Fla.–– Alabama’s defense set a record for fewest yards allowed in the ReliaQuest bowl (190), but early turnovers doomed the Crimson Tide in a 19-13 loss to Michigan in Tampa on Tuesday afternoon.
The issues that had plagued Alabama in other losses reared their ugly head in the first quarter when the Crimson Tide offense turned the ball over three times on the first four possessions and ending the opening quarter with -2 yards as the Wolverines jumped out to a 16-0 lead.
Alabama built some momentum heading into the half with two strong drives from the offense, but that momentum evaporated in the third quarter. Even with all the mistakes, the Crimson Tide still had a chance to win in the final minutes. A screen pass from Jalen Milroe to Jam Miller put Alabama at the Michigan 15 with a little over a minute left.
But Milroe couldn’t connect on his next four tries as the offense turned it over on downs for the third time in the game. Michigan was able to kneel it out after taking over.
Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Crimson Tide head coach ends in defeat as Alabama’s 16-year streak of at least 10 wins comes to a close.
Watch the above video as BamaCentral’s Katie Windham wraps up the game and season for the Crimson Tide from the field at Raymond James Stadium after No. 11 Alabama lost to Michigan 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Read more: What Kalen DeBoer Said After Alabama Lost the ReliaQuest Bowl to Michigan
Alabama’s Captains Say Program Has ‘Bright Future’ Under Kalen DeBoer
Kalen DeBoer Didn’t Consider Quarterback Change During Disastrous First Quarter
Alabama
7 Things: Bipartisan support for lottery in Alabama; H1-B visas used by 273 Alabama companies as debate simmers; and more … – Yellowhammer News
7. U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) reflected on his tenure representing Alabama’s First Congressional District, as he leaves Congress after losing a primary to U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Highlighting his achievements, Carl points to successes in energy policy, infrastructure funding, rural healthcare, and support for veterans, among other accomplishments. While bidding farewell, he expresses optimism for the future of south Alabama, the state, and the nation, emphasizing his pride in their shared values and resilience.
6. With an expanded playoff and legalized player payoffs, some argue that college football is in disarray amid changing rules and a lack of centralized leadership; and the idea of a “commissioner of college football” has gained traction. Penn State head coach James Franklin champions Nick Saban as the ideal candidate, citing his unparalleled leadership and deep understanding of the game. Franklin and others see the role as essential to unifying conferences, establishing consistent rules, and restoring stability to the sport’s rapidly shifting landscape, but Saban really seems to be enjoying his role on ESPN.
5. The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes touched down in Alabama Saturday night, including two EF1s in Limestone and Lamar counties and an EF0 in Mobile County. The EF1 tornado in Athens caused significant damage to the town square and tossing an anchored helicopter 50-60 feet at Veterans Memorial Park, while no injuries have been reported from any of the storms. With additional surveys underway in multiple counties, the NWS anticipates identifying more tornadoes amid widespread storm reports across the Southeast.
4. Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, is remembered for his journey from peanut farmer to the presidency and his lifelong commitment to faith and service, his record as president is less fondly remembered. Alabama officials, including U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), praised Carter’s post-presidency humanitarian work, especially his contributions to Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center. While his presidency remains an example of a failed administration, his compassion, charity, and dedication to public good continue to inspire across the political spectrum.
3. There is apparently overwrought concern as Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery are reportedly the only predominantly white colleges in Alabama with decreases in black student enrollment over the past five years, despite overall enrollment gains. Auburn saw a 12% increase in total enrollment but a 2% decrease in Black students, a trend attributed to more selective admission criteria aimed at improving rankings. In contrast, the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities are seeing record enrollment and the University of Alabama and other institutions increased Black student enrollment, with UA highlighting scholarship accessibility.
2. Debate over the H-1B visa program continues with some Republicans arguing for the program while the base is seen as wanting to rein in all types of immigration. X and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy championing it as essential for attracting top global talent, while immigration hardliners criticize it for undermining American jobs and wages, there seems to be some agreement on reforms to better balance innovation with protection of American workers. In Alabama, 273 companies employed 1,129 H-1B workers in 2024, with major employers including UAB, Auburn University, and Shipt Inc.
1. Alabamians flock to neighboring states like Tennessee and Florida to buy lottery tickets as the Mega Millions jackpot soared past $1 billion, highlighting the state’s ongoing loss of potential lottery revenue. Many residents and lawmakers like Alabama State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) expressed frustration over Alabama’s lack of a lottery, pointing out missed educational opportunities and economic benefits enjoyed by states with legal gaming, adding, “the people in Alabama overwhelmingly support the lottery and the right to vote on it, and they deserve that.” Despite bipartisan support, Alabama’s latest gaming legislation narrowly failed in the Senate, but lawmakers are hopeful for renewed efforts to bring a lottery to the state.
Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
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