AGP Executive Report

Storm Aftermath & Flooding: Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants has battered Alabama again, with flash flooding reported in Jefferson County and scattered flooding across metro areas like Vestavia Hills, Homewood, and parts of Birmingham-area roads, plus downed trees and stranded cars. Power & Safety Impacts: West Central Alabama saw scattered outages, with thousands still without power as crews work to restore service; officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roads and “turn around, don’t drown.” Flood Watches & River Warnings: The National Weather Service kept a Flood Watch in effect for multiple West Alabama counties through Saturday evening, citing saturated ground and efficient rain-producing storms; separate river warnings continued, including Styx River near Elsanor in Baldwin County with major flooding impacts. Weather Outlook: More uneven storms are expected through the weekend and into next week, with localized flash flooding still possible even as rain chances gradually ease.

Flood Watch Update (West Alabama): The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m. for Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Walker, warning that saturated ground and efficient heavy-rain storms could trigger urban street flooding and flash flooding. Tropical Storm Arthur Aftermath: Arthur’s remnants are still driving torrential downpours across the Deep South, with Alabama seeing ongoing flood risk as moisture continues to feed storms through the weekend. Local Rescue in Floodwaters: Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department rescued a person hanging on a tree in the water off Boone Lane, using small watercraft and support from nearby departments and state troopers. Industry & Jobs (Auburn): Italy-based Vulcaflex plans a roughly $70 million synthetic leather manufacturing facility at Auburn Technology Park West, aiming to create 130 jobs. Coastal Fishing Conservation: The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will add a live tripletail weigh-in category, with researchers hoping to attach tracking devices to help study the fish.

Tropical Storm Arthur Aftermath: Remnants of Arthur kept flooding and flash-flood risk high across the Gulf and Deep South, with Alabama communities dealing with saturated ground, road washouts, and warnings of life-threatening downpours. Severe Weather Outlook: Forecasters say more scattered heavy thunderstorms could hit Alabama over the weekend, with localized flash flooding, strong wind gusts, and intense lightning possible. Flood Relief Access: U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box container use at 84 centers across the Southeast for residents impacted by severe flooding, including in Alabama. Local Impacts in Central Alabama: Central Alabama saw repeated rounds of rain and flash-flood warnings, with some road flooding in the Troy/Pike County area before tapering off late Friday. NOAA Seafood Push: Mississippi researchers are joining a new NOAA effort to expand U.S. seafood production via Gulf Coast aquaculture research, aiming to reduce reliance on imported seafood. Outdoor & Community News: Cherokee Camping opened in Leesburg, adding RV and primitive sites near Weiss Lake for outdoor recreation. Public Notice: FCC notice filed for a new 285-foot lattice tower in Walker County, with a process for raising environmental concerns.

Flooding After Tropical Storm Arthur: Even after Arthur lost its official status, its “ghost” moisture kept a deadly flash-flood threat alive across the Gulf South, with the NWS warning that just six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet. Severe Weather Watch: Alabama still faces a marginal severe risk with damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and lingering flood concerns, including a Flood Watch for parts of West Alabama. Conservation & Water Quality: Freshwater Land Trust completed visitor and habitat upgrades at Mardis Mill Falls in Blount County, protecting Black Warrior waterdog habitat and tackling invasive Chinese privet with a prescribed burn. Local Water Utility: Central Alabama Water approved a $90,000 JD Power customer satisfaction survey to benchmark and improve service. Jobs & Industry in Auburn: Vulcaflex will open its first U.S. synthetic leather facility in Auburn, a nearly $70 million project expected to create 130 jobs. Rare Alabama Species: A new feature highlights the Alabama cavefish as one of the rarest vertebrates in the U.S., surviving only in a small set of northwest cave systems.

Tropical Storm Arthur Aftermath: Arthur has weakened into a post-tropical system, but its remnants are still dumping heavy rain across Alabama and the Gulf, keeping flood risk high and prompting ongoing Flood Watches/Advisories and power outages in parts of the state. Severe Weather Outlook: Forecasters say more downpours are possible Friday, with flash flooding concerns lingering into the weekend and a limited chance of isolated severe storms. Local Preparedness: Mobile’s United Way is partnering with Verizon on “United We Prepare” workshops to help residents plan for hurricanes and flash flooding. Community Impacts: Tuscaloosa canceled “Live at the Plaza” due to unsafe, rain-soaked conditions, with plans to reschedule. Local Governance: Cullman set a public hearing for a residential fencing ordinance that would restrict hazardous materials like barbed, electric, or razor wire. Invasive Species Push: Alabama State Parks launched a statewide initiative aimed at combating invasive species.

Tropical Storm Arthur Aftermath (Alabama): The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur are still soaking the Southeast, with heavy rain driving flash-flood and tornado warnings that extend into Alabama. Forecasters say rainfall rates could reach about 3 inches per hour, and additional flash flooding is possible as the system moves from Louisiana and Mississippi toward Alabama and Georgia. Severe Weather Prep: A tornado watch was issued for parts of Alabama, including Baldwin, Mobile, and surrounding counties, with the main threats described as several tornadoes and damaging wind gusts. State Parks & Invasives: Alabama State Parks launched a statewide native habitat restoration effort to fight invasive species, restore native landscapes, and expand volunteer conservation work across its 21 parks. Data Center Expansion (Jackson County): Google announced a $1.5 billion expansion at its Jackson County data center campus, drawing renewed attention to local power and water use as public pushback grows.

Tropical Storm Arthur Flood Watch: The first named storm of the Atlantic season, Tropical Storm Arthur, formed off Texas and quickly weakened, but its remnants are still expected to dump heavy rain across the Gulf and parts of Alabama. Flooding & Tornado Risk in Alabama: Alabama weather updates warn of flash-flood danger—especially along and south of the I-20 corridor—with some areas seeing 2–4 inches and higher totals possible in storms, plus a chance of brief tornadoes or strong wind gusts. Regional Impacts: National forecasts keep Flood Watches active from Louisiana through western Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, with the main hazard described as prolonged, life-threatening flash flooding rather than wind. Birmingham Climate Planning: Birmingham’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability wrapped up public meetings on a city sustainability strategy, moving into implementation focused on land, buildings, energy, and healthier, lower-cost homes. Coastal Conservation: Coastal Alabama continues to see environmental investment, including RESTORE Act funding announcements for projects in coastal communities.

Tropical Storm Arthur / Gulf Flood Threat: The first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season, Tropical Storm Arthur, has formed in the Gulf and is expected to bring days of heavy rain and life-threatening flash flooding from the Texas coast through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and into parts of the Florida Panhandle. Alabama Flood Watch: The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Flood Watch for many Alabama counties (including West Alabama areas along and south of I-20) from Thursday morning through Friday evening, warning of dangerous flooding and flash flooding as rainfall totals build. Storm Timing for Alabama: Local forecasts point to a drier Wednesday with spotty storms, then rain spreading in overnight into Thursday morning, with additional heavy downpours and storm chances continuing Thursday and Friday. Outdoor Water Safety (Alabama): A feature highlights Blue Springs State Park in Barbour County as a crystal-clear, spring-fed swimming spot—an Alabama reminder to enjoy water carefully, especially during wet weather.

Gulf Storm Watch: Forecasters are tracking a cluster of storms off south Texas that could become the first named Atlantic storm of 2026, Tropical Storm Arthur. Even before a name, the big threat is heavy rain and dangerous flash flooding from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, and into Alabama, with tornado risk also flagged. Alabama Flood Timing: A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of West Alabama starting Thursday morning through Friday evening, with rainfall totals that could reach 3–7 inches and locally higher amounts depending on the storm’s track. Coastal Rain Outlook: National Weather Service guidance points to up to 7 inches possible for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach through the weekend, while other Gulf areas face multi-inch totals. Water-Quality Policy Fight: A federal court again rebuked the Trump administration over illegally withheld EPA climate and environmental justice grant funds, including rural Alabama wastewater work. Recycling/Community Note: A Mobile recycling trailer is helping bring service into neighborhoods. Public Health Advisory: Alabama Department of Public Health issued 2026 fish consumption advisories.

Gulf Flood Watch: A Gulf disturbance dubbed Invest 90L (possible first storm Arthur) is ramping up flood risk across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and into Alabama, with forecasters warning of life-threatening flash, urban and river flooding as heavy rain persists through the week. Alabama Rain Outlook: In West Alabama, the National Weather Service is calling for roughly 4–7 inches this week, with the heaviest rounds expected Thursday into Friday and localized higher totals possible. Sea Turtle Conservation: World Sea Turtle Day spotlights three nesting species on Alabama’s Gulf Coast—loggerheads, green turtles and Kemp’s ridley—with a Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge drop-in event planned for Tuesday. Local Energy & Jobs: Google announced a $1.5 billion expansion of its Jackson County data center campus, saying it will cover electricity costs and infrastructure tied to the project. Water Policy Fight: Republican attorneys general, including Alabama’s, urged EPA to classify the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it could enter waterways via wastewater. Wildlife Management Controversy: An Alabama HOA voted to gas 226 Canada geese near Lady Ann Lake in Madison, triggering resident outcry and protests over humane alternatives. Community & Climate Resilience: LIHEAP cooling utility assistance is now open for eligible North Alabama households facing high summer energy bills.

Flood Watch: A Gulf disturbance is driving a multi-day flash-flood threat from Texas through parts of the Gulf Coast, with flood watches for nearly 18 million people and rainfall that could reach 5–10 inches, raising the stakes for Alabama’s region. Alabama Weather: Central and south Alabama are in a wetter pattern, with rain chances rising overnight and heavy bands possible near the I-20 corridor, plus additional storm chances midweek. Water Safety: Alabama’s popular swimming spots are flagged for hidden dangers—strong currents, boat traffic, wildlife, and water-quality concerns—urging extra caution for summer swimmers. Invasive Species: Officials are warning about toxic, invasive hammerhead worms that prey on native earthworms and can disrupt healthy soil ecosystems. Coastal & Boating Impacts: West Marine has filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores nationwide, including Alabama locations, citing extreme weather and supply-chain pressures. Local Wildlife Conflict: An Alabama HOA protest is growing after a plan to cull hundreds of Canada geese at a neighborhood lake using lethal gassing, with residents calling for humane alternatives. Coastal Restoration Funding: Gov. Ivey announced $87 million in RESTORE Act money for coastal Alabama projects, tied to Gulf restoration efforts. Data Center Expansion: Google is investing $1.5 billion to expand its Jackson County data center campus, with claims of “sustainable growth” and added energy and community initiatives.

Wildlife & Community Conflict: Neighbors in Madison’s Edgewater are protesting an HOA plan to cull 226 Canada geese at Lady Ann Lake, with residents calling for humane alternatives like scaring or relocation instead of reported carbon monoxide gassing. Flood Watch Across the South: A slow-moving cold front plus tropical moisture is keeping flash-flood risk elevated from Texas through the Lower Mississippi Valley and into the central Gulf Coast, with some areas already under flood watches. Alabama Storm Impacts: Sunday thunderstorms in the Birmingham area brought downed trees and power outages affecting more than 5,000 customers statewide, with the worst outages in several central Alabama counties. Coastal Restoration Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced RESTORE Council approvals totaling $403M+ for Gulf Coast projects, including Alabama money for Grand Batture Island restoration and the Coastal Alabama Water Quality Program. Water Pollution Politics: Republican attorneys general, including Alabama’s, are urging EPA to classify the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm from medication abortion in wastewater. Heat & Storm Setup: Weather coverage points to hot, humid conditions with increasing rain chances later in the week, including a potential multi-day wet stretch for West Alabama.

Severe Weather & Flood Risk: Sunday storms dumped heavy rain and downed trees in the Birmingham area and Cherokee County, with Alabama Power reporting outages affecting more than 5,000 customers statewide. Heat & Mosquito Health: Alabama’s summer humidity is driving dangerous heat, while Auburn Extension highlights mosquitoes as a serious health threat during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 21-27). Coastal Water Quality Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey says the RESTORE Council approved $403M+ for Gulf restoration, including $9.5M for Alabama’s Coastal Alabama Water Quality Program to improve stormwater and wastewater systems, low-impact development, and septic-to-sewer conversions. Water Safety Politics: Republican AGs, including Alabama’s, are urging EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm from medication abortion in wastewater. Community Access: KultureCity brought a sensory “quiet retreat” vehicle and free sensory kits to Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival to help families manage noise and crowds. Storm Outlook: Forecasters warn more showers and storms Monday and Tuesday, with rain shifting south and increasing again later in the week.

Flood & Heat Watch: West Alabama is bracing for a wetter week, with forecasts calling for 3 to 6 inches of rain and possible flooding as deep tropical moisture moves in. Storm Risk: Sunday brings scattered showers and a few storms, with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds possible—especially north of I-20. Public Health Water Alert: Baldwin County issued a public swimming advisory for Perdido Bay at Kee Avenue after two poor water-quality tests, warning of increased illness risk until bacteria levels drop. Coastal Conservation: Alabama Beer Co. and Murder Point Oysters teamed up to defend Alabama waterways through DRIFT, supporting conservation groups with rapid-response grants. Community & Environment Education: Auburn student and environmentalist Weston Higginbotham will be honored June 17 in Birmingham, with an ecological engineering scholarship created in his name. Local Weather Preparedness: Cooling centers and splash pads are open in Savannah during an extreme heat advisory, reflecting how heat and humidity are shaping daily risk. Tech & Security in Alabama: The FBI’s Huntsville “Kinetic Cyber Range” uses a replica town to train investigators for cyberattacks that can disrupt real-world infrastructure.

Coastal Water Safety: Baldwin County Health Department issued a public swimming advisory for Perdido Bay at Kee Avenue after two successive poor bacteria tests, warning of increased illness risk until enterococcus levels drop below EPA thresholds. Heat & Storm Risk: Alabama’s weekend outlook stays brutally hot and humid, with scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain possible; Savannah issued an extreme heat advisory (heat indices 105–110) and opened multiple cooling centers and splash pads. Gulf Restoration Funding: Gov. Ivey announced $87 million in RESTORE Act money for coastal Alabama projects, part of a larger Gulf Coast restoration package approved by the RESTORE Council. Local Waterway Protection: Alabama Beer Co. and Murder Point Oysters teamed up to support river conservation through DRIFT, backing rapid-response grants for groups working to defend clean water. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Training: The FBI revealed its Kinetic Cyber Range in Huntsville—a 22,000-square-foot replica town with a hospital and 200+ servers—built to train investigators for ransomware and critical-infrastructure cyberattacks. Aquaculture Update: Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Gulf aquaculture project is back on track, with permits secured and the first fish harvest reported from the nearshore platform.

Coastal Conservation Partnership: Alabama Beer Co. and Murder Point Oysters are teaming up through DRIFT (Defending River Integrity For Tomorrow), with a portion of beer sales supporting rapid-response conservation grants aimed at protecting Alabama waterways. Gulf Aquaculture Milestone: Dauphin Island Sea Lab has harvested its first redfish from an offshore aquaculture platform about 2 miles off Fort Morgan, reviving a project that had been stalled for permits and agreements and testing small-scale, locally managed fish farming in Alabama’s nearshore Gulf waters. Weather & Heat Watch: Central and south Alabama are in a hot, humid stretch with heat index values near 100°F, plus scattered storm chances this weekend that could bring heavy rain in some areas. Water-Use & Public Safety: Tuscaloosa County is switching its emergency alert system to RAVE next month, keeping the TuscALERT name while improving how quickly alerts can go out. Invasive Species Alert: Wildlife officials are racing to stop 4-foot tegu lizards as invasive egg raiders spread across the South. Local Water Quality Dispute: A Bayou La Batre seafood waste odor fight is playing out as neighbors accuse a local operator of violating environmental rules, while the operator says he’s limiting material and using lime to control smells.