Snow, Wintry Mix, Freezing Rain, & Icy Travel Expected in Alabama

Our confidence continues to increase for the chance of wintry precipitation across West and Central Alabama.

This possibility of wintry conditions is due to a low-pressure system expected to move along the Central Gulf Coast from Thursday night into Friday.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said that the “track of the low-pressure system as well as the depth of the cold air present at the surface will greatly determine the location of wintry precipitation, precipitation type (snow, wintry mix, or freezing rain) and potential impacts.”

As always, I encourage you to stay weather-aware and prepared because of a few factors. We don’t experience winter weather often in the southern region, so it’s hard to predict but not impossible. A shift in the tracking of the low-pressure system and a temperature change can change the outlook for Friday. In addition, the forecast for snow (and the amount) could be raised over the next day.

Current Key Messages for Early Friday Morning Through Friday Evening

Wintry Weather

“Freezing rain and snow will continue along and north of I-20 through the midday hours, with a gradual change to a cold rain during the afternoon as temperatures rise into the mid-30s,” said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.

Spann said, “Snow accumulation of 1/2 to 1 inch is possible down to places like Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Anniston, and Gadsden, but much of the wintry precipitation here will fall in the form of freezing rain.”

Travel Impacts

In addition to the potential for winter weather on Friday, there are concerns about how this could impact travel. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said that “travel conditions may become difficult across the northernmost counties.”

“Icy travel is very likely Friday morning north of a line from Moundville to Clanton to Roanoke as freezing rain, sleet, and snow moves in from the west,” said Spann.

West Alabama Travel Impact Areas Guide

from the National Weather Service

“Elevated Impact Area” means difficult travel conditions.

“Limited Impact Area” means slick spots limited to bridges and overpasses.

Bibb: “Limited Impact Area.”

Fayette: The northern portion of this county is in the “Elevated Impact Area,” while the remainder of the county is in the “Limited Impact Area.”

Greene: “Limited Impact Area.”

Hale: Almost all of this county is under the “Limited Impact Area.”

Lamar: The northern portion of this county is in the “Elevated Impact Area,” while the remainder of the county is in the “Limited Impact Area.”

Perry: A good portion of this county is under the “Limited Impact Area.”

Pickens: “Limited Impact Area.”

Sumter: A good portion of this county is under the “Limited Impact Area.”

Tuscaloosa: “Limited Impact Area.”

Walker: The northern portion of this county is in the “Elevated Impact Area,” while the remainder of the county is in the “Limited Impact Area.”

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Current Outlook for Saturday

Lingering snow flurries or isolated snow showers may develop in the cold air on Saturday as the storm system moves out of the region.

The Townsquare Media Weather Center is paying close attention to this winter storm potential and will offer insight and updates as they become available.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster