Alabamians Should Stay Aware of Concerning Winter Weather Impacts

Residents of West Alabama should stay informed about concerns about the impact of winter weather on our area. The Townsquare Media Weather Center will follow this developing winter weather situation and bring you the necessary updates.

Current Outlook on Timing

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, “Wintry weather is likely to impact a large portion of central Alabama (including West Alabama) from Thursday night into Friday night.”

Winter Weather Threats

According to forecasts, the northern half of Central Alabama, particularly areas along and north of the I-20 corridor, is most likely to experience weather accumulations.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said, “Amounts will vary from 1/2 inch to 2 inches down to I-20 (Tuscaloosa to Birmingham to Anniston).”

“Snow and freezing rain will likely change to a cold rain for much of the state Friday afternoon,” said Spann. “However, snow could very well continue into Friday afternoon and evening for the northern third of the state (north of U.S. 278).”

Risk Areas for the Townsquare Media Coverage Area in West Alabama

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has “added a "Significant Impacts" category on the Winter Weather Impacts map, based on higher confidence in a potential significant snow accumulation.”

Significant Impact Area:

[This risk level includes a small portion of Lamar County]

Dangerous or impossible driving conditions.

Avoid travel if possible.

Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur.

Elevated Impact Area

[This risk level includes Fayette and Walker Counties, most of Lamar County, and the northern half of Pickens and Tuscaloosa Counties]

Hazardous driving conditions. Use extra caution while driving.

Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur.

Limited Impact Area

[This risk level includes all of Greene and Hale counties, most of Sumter and Perry counties, and the southern half of Pickens and Tuscaloosa Counties]

Winter driving conditions. Use caution while driving.

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Each day we get closer to this winter weather event, the more defined the forecast will become. Again, winter weather in the southern region doesn’t happen often, so it’s tricky to predict. Even a small shift in the track of the low-pressure system or a change in temperatures could impact the outcome for Friday.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster