Winter Weather Alert for Birmingham: Prepare for a Chill!

News Summary

Birmingham is bracing for a significant winter storm as a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the area. Snow and sleet are expected, particularly in the northern half of Alabama, with potential ice accumulation making roads hazardous. A Winter Storm Warning will take effect late Thursday night. Residents are urged to prepare for icy conditions and limit travel as temperatures fluctuate. Precautions include filling gas tanks and preparing emergency kits to ensure safety during the chilly weekend ahead.

Winter Weather Alert for Birmingham: Prepare for a Chill!

Attention all Birmingham residents! It looks like we’re in for a wintry surprise as a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Birmingham Metro Area. This news came down bright and early from the U.S. National Weather Service on Wednesday morning, and it’s definitely time to prepare for some impactful winter weather that kicks off Thursday night and stretches all the way into Friday.

What to Expect

So, what exactly is on the horizon? Well, snow and sleet are expected to make their grand entrance overnight tonight, particularly in the northern half of Alabama. The forecast is pointing to some potentially significant impacts, including the chance for ice accumulation that has already increased, with figures currently sitting between 0.1 inch and 0.3 inches. This means slippery roads could be on the menu!

Timing and Warnings

A formal Winter Storm Warning will kick into gear at midnight on Friday, lasting until 6 AM on Saturday across all of north Alabama. Here’s where it gets interesting: the National Weather Service is tracking two different scenarios for this storm. First, we could see continuous snow from Thursday night all the way through Saturday morning, which means higher snow accumulations. Or, in the second scenario, we might see snow turn into a wintry mix on Friday before circling back to snow. If that happens, we could face more challenges because the ice will make roads even trickier.

Accumulation Projections

As for those snow and sleet accumulations, we’re looking at a range of 1 to 3 inches in the areas that fall under the Winter Storm Warning. And it doesn’t stop there—there’s also the potential for up to 1/10 inch of freezing rain in those counties. Keep your eyes peeled if you live in the following areas: Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston, Walker, Blount, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Jefferson, and St. Clair, as these are under the Winter Storm Warning.

Further South: Weather Advisory

For those of you in the southern regions, don’t think you can escape the winter weather—there’s a Winter Weather Advisory set to impact areas such as Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Elmore, Lee, Autauga, Perry, Greene, Hale, and Sumter. Expect 0.5 to 2 inches of snow and sleet, alongside the potential for that pesky 1/10 inch of freezing rain.

Travel Cautions and Preparations

Now, let’s talk traveling. Roads are set to re-freeze late on Friday, making them incredibly hazardous for anyone attempting to get around. With the temperatures fluctuating and precipitation intensity possibly shifting, it’s crucial to stay on your toes regarding the type of precipitation we might end up dealing with.

Getting Ready

So, how should you get ready for what’s to come? A few good tips would be to fill your gas tanks, pack up emergency kits for your vehicles, and make sure you’ve secured all the necessities for your home. With all this weather brewing, it’s advisable to limit travel plans and to keep an eye on local news for any updates.

Stay Safe and Warm!

As a friendly reminder, the winter weather warnings do not extend to southern Alabama, where only minor sleet is expected north of U.S. 84, and no major impacts are forecasted. So, Birmingham folks, hang tight, stay warm, and prepare yourself for a snowy, sleety weekend ahead!