BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama school systems are releasing students early because of the threat of severe weather.
Officials said schools were shutting down early Friday in Autauga, Cullman, Elmore, Franklin and Shelby counties because of the possibility of tornadoes and damaging winds, and more systems could decide to do the same.
Meanwhile, racing promoters are monitoring conditions at the Talladega Superspeedway, where thousands of people are camping and getting ready for three days of stock car races. The first race is scheduled for around the time a large line of storms could move into east Alabama.
The National Weather Service issued a watch for more than half the state, and tornado warnings are coming out as possible twisters move into Alabama.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.