The American Automobile Association &045;&045; Alabama (AAA) expects the traffic this July 4 holiday to be the heaviest in nine years.

The idea of fighting all that traffic &045;&045; along with the threat of rain &045;&045; has Some Dallas County residents planning on staying at home.

According to Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Docket Clerk Tassie Harris, swimming, karaoke and a cookout are on her schedule for Independence Day. Travel, however, isn’t.

Ashley Kynard, receptionist with the district attorney’s office, said she heard there is a 50 percent chance of rain for Friday.

Kynard said she is planning on attending a riverside cookout July 4 &045;&045; providing the weather holds.

Others are looking to the beach for their holiday festivities.

Community Justice Coordinator Susan Keith said she’s planning on a trip to Orange Beach. Activities include motorcycling, boating and deep sea fishing.

Concerning the cost of gasoline, Keith said she wasn’t concerned about high prices since Independence Day comes only once a year.

She added that prices in Dallas County were 10 cents higher than in Montgomery.

According to AAA &045;&045; Alabama Public Relations Manager Greg Womble, Alabama gasoline prices averaged $1.39 per gallon in the past month.

Keith’s choice of the beach for her holiday destination is the second most popular, according to a survey done conducted by the Travel Industry Association. Towns and rural areas top the list followed by oceans or beaches. Other popular destinations include lakes, cities, state or national parks, mountains, and amusement parks.

Those heading to the beach, however, may need to watch out for the remnants of Tropical Storm Bill.

Red flags warned of riptides at Alabama beach resorts, where tens of thousands arrived for the July Fourth holiday week.

According to the AccuWeather forecast, there will be a slight chance of rain on Friday &045;&045; but not much of one.