Winter Storm Watch Issued for Northern Alabama

News Summary

Northern Alabama is bracing for significant winter weather as a winter storm watch is now in effect for areas along and north of I-20. Starting early Friday morning, temperatures will drop, leading to potentially hazardous icy conditions. Predictions indicate 4-6 inches of snow in the Tennessee Valley, with lighter amounts elsewhere. As the storm passes, the weekend will remain dry with colder temperatures overnight. Residents are urged to prepare for harsh weather conditions and stay safe during the storm.

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Northern Alabama

As the sun rises on Friday, Northern Alabama is gearing up for some serious winter weather. A winter storm watch has been officially issued for areas along and north of I-20, and it looks like folks in cities like Millport, Birmingham, Sylacauga, and Roanoke need to prepare for a wintry blast!

What to Expect This Morning

Starting around 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM, snow and ice are set to sweep across the northern part of the state. Initially, temperatures are going to take a dive, landing between 28-31 degrees. This is likely to create some icy and hazardous road conditions, so everyone is advised to take extra care if they need to head out!

Traveling in central Alabama isn’t going to be a walk in the park either. There’s potential for a brief period of freezing rain, with places like Greensboro, Montgomery, Opelika, and Phenix City being affected. But don’t worry just yet; as the day warms up, we can expect that freezing rain and snow to transition into plain old cold rain, especially for Birmingham by late morning.

Snow and Ice Accumulations

When it comes to the potential snowfall, the National Weather Service has some interesting predictions. Here’s the scoop:

4-6 inches in the Tennessee Valley
2-3 inches for Anniston and Gadsden
1-2 inches in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa

In addition, there’s also a possibility of ½ to 1 inch of freezing rain, especially impacting the bridges along the I-85 corridor during those morning hours. It’s looking a little unpredictable, so stay tuned because forecast amounts might change depending on the latest models.

A Tapering Off Into the Weekend

As we move into Saturday, we can expect a few lingering flurries to potentially sweep through the region. However, the good news is that the weekend itself is set to remain dry. Pack away your snow shovels, at least for now! Just be mindful of those overnight temperatures; areas that get snow cover may see a chilly drop to around 10-15 degrees in the Tennessee Valley.

Next Week’s Outlook

Looking ahead, the following week seems to be mostly dry, with temperatures settling in the 40s and lows dipping into the 20s. It seems like we’ve got a stable week to look forward to! However, keep your eyes peeled as a new storm system will likely bring some rain toward the end of the week or on Saturday, January 18. It’s worth mentioning that this date marks a historical note—back in 1973, Georgia faced its worst ice storm since 1935, resulting in a staggering $25 million in damages.

Stay Safe and Prepared!

As the winter storm approaches, be sure to stay warm, stock up on essentials, and if you can, make sure to have a cozy day indoors with your favorite hot drink! Northern Alabama, we’re in for quite a ride this Friday, so let’s weather this storm together and keep safe!