🌱 Flash Flood Warning + New County COVID Test Sites

Up and at 'em, Birmingham! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

First, today's weather:

A gusty t-storm in the p.m.. High: 69 Low: 42.

Here are the top five stories in Birmingham today:

1. Yesterday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Birmingham issued a flash flood watch for most of Northern and Central Alabama due to expected heavy rainfall. The flood watch is in effect through 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 4, at which point the rain may transition to freezing rain. The Birmingham area can expect rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches between now and then. (Birmingham Patch)
2. Struggling to find a COVID-19 test appointment in Birmingham? Jefferson County has announced the opening of four new testing sites just a short drive away in Hoover, Center Point, Midfield, and Gardendale. Each site accepts pre-registration and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. The Hoover and Center Point sites are also open Saturdays from 9 to 5. (Birmingham Patch)
3. Calling all performers: the World Games 2022 is seeking musicians, dancers, magicians, and more to entertain thousands of sports fans this summer. Selected acts will perform at the new City Walk BHAM during the festivities, taking place from Jul. 7 through Jul. 17. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
4. Birmingham Public Library's popular Bards & Brews program is returning this season with a poetry slam on Friday, Feb. 4. During the event, ten spoken word artists will head to Boutwell Auditorium and compete for a $350 grand prize. The program is free to the public; participating poets must pay a $5 entry fee. (AL.com)
5. Jamie "Birmingham" Bill, the Birmingham Zoo's resident groundhog, took his namesake day off this year. According to zoo officials, Bill is still hibernating and it's best for his health to not interfere. Reportedly, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow and predicted another six weeks of winter. (WIAT - CBS42.com)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Make It, Take It: Black History Month Arts and Crafts - North Birmingham Regional Library (All Day)
• Let’s Talk About Medicare: Questions & Answers - Birmingham Public Library (12:00 PM)
• Black History Before 1619, Presented By Clarence Muhammad - Five Points West Regional Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A missing 92-year-old man last seen in Birmingham has been found safe as of Wednesday. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
• The Birmingham Police Department welcomed back recent retiree Officer Doran back to duty. Welcome back! (Facebook)
• Fall in love with the best Valentine's eats, events, and gifts in Birmingham. (Bham Now)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.