Latest news with #AlabamaForestryCommission
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alabama Forestry Commission warns of fungal disease infecting pine trees
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A fungal disease is impacting loblolly pine trees this spring, according to the Alabama Forestry Commission. Alabama's first dog dies; Gov. Kay Ivey reflects on her 'great friend' In a news release, AFC officials cautioned forest landowners about brown spot needle blight, a fungal disease that leads to needle discoloration and needle drop. The AFC release also said brown spot needle blight can stunt tree growth and increase the risk of pests like bark beetles. 'Just in the last few days, the agency started receiving calls, and the disease seems to be infecting trees with greater severity in west Alabama,' AFC Forest Health Coordinator Drew Metzler said. 'Although this pathogen has been affecting loblolly pines for years, mild wet weather over recent weeks has provided ideal growing conditions for brown spot needle blight, with infections generally beginning in the lower canopy of affected pines and spreading upward through the crown if conditions allow.' However, things should be looking up heading into the summer season, according to Metzler. 'Typically, as we get closer to summer and daytime temperatures increase, conditions for the disease are limited, and trees usually green back up,' he said. Symptoms of brown spot needle blight include brown spots on needles with yellow halos, premature needle drop, and thinning canopy. Where dead fish bring life to the party: Flora-Bama's annual Mullet Toss is back The AFC is encouraging forest landowners to check their pines regularly and to monitor for excessive mortality or secondary pests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Alexandria Fire Department warns against outdoor burning during dry conditions
CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — Five homes have been lost due to burn piles throughout the past week in Calhoun County, according to the Alexandria Fire Department. The department says that several other burn piles have gotten dangerously close to structures in the area. Alabama Forestry Commission wildfire advisory remains in effect throughout weekend 'All of Calhoun County is under a Red Flag Warning and some cities have burn bans in place,' they said in a Facebook post. 'With the dry conditions and wind if your fire gets away from you, you will not be able to stop it.' The Alabama Forestry Commision suspended the issuance of all burn permits throughout the weekend, saying that they will re-evaluate the weather situation on Monday. The AFC issued a statement on Saturday saying that they responded to 263 wildfires throughout the state in the past seven days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
High fire conditions possible again Monday; Weather Aware Tuesday
COLUMBUS, GA (WRBL)- Following Red Flag Warnings across the area Saturday, there were 168 wildfires reported by the Alabama Forestry Commission and 137 wildfires reported by the Georgia Forestry Commission. This totals over 7,000 acres across the two states. WEATHER AWARE: We are already focused on Tuesday/Wednesday's storm system, which will bring severe weather across the Southeast. An enhanced risk (3/5) is already in place to our west and we have a slight risk (2/5) locally. Our primary threats include tornadoes, winds up to 70mph, and ping-pong ball-sized hail. UPDATED Timing: 10 PM-8 AM ET. The line will begin to move into our Alabama counties by 11 PM ET/10 PM CT. Columbus will begin to see storms by 3 AM. Americus can expect storms to arrive by 5 AM. Temperatures will drop into the 60s on Thursday with lows in the mid-upper 30s. Our next storm system will enter in time for the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Impact Day Tuesday: Threat of strong winds & severe storms
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Weather Authority has been monitoring the fire threat throughout the weekend, but heading into next week, all eyes turn on a severe weather threat. The team has issued an Impact Day for Tuesday due to the threat of damaging winds and storms. The Weather Authority implements new Impact Day during Severe Weather Awareness Week Impact Days are issued for any impactful weather which could range from extreme heat and extreme cold to organized severe storms and tornadoes. We won't hype the forecast but rather inform you about days when the weather will impact your day-to-day. The Impact Day was issued due to the threat of strong to severe storm development along a cold front. Along with the threat of storms, strong winds with gusts of 40-50 mph will be possible outside of any storms that develop. Alabama Forestry Commission continues Wildfire Advisory into Sunday When strong cold fronts form, it leads to tight pressure gradients. The tighter the pressure gradient, the stronger the winds are here at the surface. Isolated rain showers will be possible early Tuesday morning but the greatest threat of storms for the area will arrive by the evening. At this vantage point, a line of rain with embedded storms will enter Northwest Alabama around 4 p.m. just in time for the evening commute. This line will then track eastward through the area reaching the Huntsville metro by 7 p.m. Storms will move out of Northeast Alabama between 10 and 11 p.m. It's important to note that the timing is subject to change as we continue to analyze model data ahead of the event. There's already a risk outlook from the Storm Prediction Center, highlighting the threat. The SPC has highlighted a higher risk west of the area along the Mississippi River where the environment is more supportive for severe storms. Storms that can develop will be capable of producing damaging winds over 60 mph. heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and even a tornado. The tornado threat is present because of high values of wind shear, or rotation in the winds. LOOKING FOR THE EXTENDED FORECAST? Click here to learn how to download the Live Alert 19 app Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts ahead of this event. Downloading the LiveAlert 19 App is a great way to get alerts sent right to your phone. Stick with The Weather Authority for the latest on Tuesday's storm threat! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Alabama Forestry Commission wildfire advisory remains in effect throughout weekend
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Forestry Commission has suspended the issuance of all burn permits until Sunday. According to the AFC, gusty winds and low relative humidities resulted in 95 wildfires on Saturday. North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce to host National Civics Bee Regional Competition 'Anyone who has burned in the last few days should check their fires to make sure they are properly extinguished,' the AFC said in a statement. 'Smoking piles immediately adjacent to flammable vegetation have the chance to rekindle and spread under these conditions. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.' The AFC says they will re-evaluate the weather situation on Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
