Alert: Snow, Wintry Mix, Dangerously Cold Temps Threaten Alabama

Everyone has their attention on an arctic blast predicted to impact many areas across the United States, including the Deep South.

For our area, this could mean “areas of wintry precipitation Monday and Monday night. This will be followed by a period of bitterly cold conditions through the middle of the week,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

The Townsquare Media Weather Center is monitoring this weather system. A word of caution about winter weather in the southern region is that it is hard to predict.  As weather conditions constantly update, this forecast could change. We will keep you updated over the weekend.

The Weather Channel said this weekend, there is a possibility of setting daily records for the coldest temperatures of the calendar day from Washington to Wyoming. Additionally, parts of the Plains and Deep South could experience record-breaking cold temperatures from Monday through Wednesday.

National Weather Service in Birmingham - Projected Bitterly Cold Temperatures

Where: All of central Alabama

When: Monday night through Wednesday night

Threats: A long-duration cold wave is expected with a hard freeze; wind chill values as low as the single digits above and below zero Tuesday night/Wednesday morning

Impacts: Exposed, non-insulated pipes will be at risk of bursting; there is a risk of hypothermia for those with prolonged exposure to the cold

Wintry Precipitation Outlook from the National Weather Service in Birmingham

Where: Roughly the northwest half of central Alabama

When: Monday morning through Tuesday morning

Threats: Locations receiving either a wintry mix or snow; accumulation potential will be narrowed down as we get closer

Impacts: Potential for slippery roads due to accumulations of ice or snow

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Where Will It Snow?

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, that “snow is likely over the northern quarter of the state Monday and Monday night. It could begin as late Sunday night (after midnight). Some sleet and freezing rain will likely be in the mix as well.”

Snow Chances

There is a higher likelihood of snow accumulation in the area where the winter storm watch has been issued.

The watch includes Marion, Winston, Franklin, Lawrence, Colbert, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, and Jackson counties. Snow amounts range from 1 to 4 inches, and travel is expected to be affected.

Light Snow Chances

“Some light snow, freezing rain, or sleet is possible Monday and Monday night down to I-20,” said Spann.

Current Tuesday Outlook

“Some light freezing rain or light freezing drizzle is possible over the northern half of Alabama Tuesday morning,” said Spann. “Even though precipitation is expected to be very light, this could lead to some icy spots (mainly on bridges) as far south as I-20 Tuesday morning.”