Schools Cancel Afternoon Activities due to Expected Severe Weather
Some Alabama schools will dismiss early or cancel after-school activities due to expected severe weather today. Strong storms capable of producing tornadoes are predicted to move across Alabama starting in the western counties in the late afternoon and continue east through the evening and overnight. School systems that are closing early include:
Altamont School – after school girls basketball area championship is postponed until Feb. 6
Bessemer City Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Bibb County Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Birmingham City Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5; all schools will be delayed two hours on Feb. 6
Blount County Schools – early dismissal at 12 p.m.
Boaz City Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Colbert County Schools – early dismissal at 12 p.m.
Cullman County Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.; after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Etowah County Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Florence City Schools – early dismissal at 12 p.m. for the elementary schools; 1 p.m. dismissal for the middle and high schools
Guntersville City Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Hartselle City Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Henry County Schools – closed on Feb. 6 for severe weather
Houston County Schools – closed on Feb. 6 for severe weather
Jasper City Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
Jefferson County Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5; all schools will be delayed two hours on Feb. 6
Lauderdale County Schools – early dismissal at 12:30 p.m.
Morgan County Schools – early dismissal at 2 p.m.
Muscle Shoals City Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
Oneonta City Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
Russellville City Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
St. Clair County Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5; all schools will be delayed two hours on Feb. 6
Sumter County Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
Tuscumbia City Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
Tuscaloosa City Schools – after school activities are canceled for Feb. 5
Walker County Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
Winston County Schools – early dismissal at 1 p.m.
Other school closings and updates are available at the Alabama State Department of Education website.
Photo by dhendrix73
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
Construction on Meta’s largest data center brings 600% crash spike, chaos to rural Louisiana
An investigation from the Gulf States Newsroom found that trucks contracted to work at the Meta facility are causing delays and dangerous roads in Holly Ridge.
