Good shivering Tuesday morning! It is Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This is the 21st day of the year with 344 remaining.

Tuesday Morning Observations:

While we may get a dusting of snow today and tonight in West Alabama it is the extreme cold that is the most problematic for our area. Ambient temperatures will be well below freezing but the wind chill (feels like) temperatures are expected to be between 5 and 15 degrees. The extreme cold will run through 8:00 tomorrow morning.

The forecasted temperatures can be dangerous for persons outside for any length of time, the homeless and those living in substandard house. It is important to check on the elderly, bring pets inside, drip water, cover pipes and make sure you have plenty of gas in your vehicles.

Both daytime highs and overnight lows will rebound above freezing by Friday and before the weekend is over high temperatures will rise into the 60s.

The great news is over the next 3-4 weeks the National Climate Center is forecasting above normal temperatures for Alabama. There are equal chances for precipitation during this time period. This has some concerned because the drought is still with us.

Stay warm!


Weather:

I 20/59 looks to be the dividing line between wintry precipitation and little to no precipitation. Forecasters believe if West Alabama does get snow today it will be in the .02" accumulation range.

In one of the most unusual forecasts, it is South Alabama that will bear the brunt of wintry weather. Areas south of Demopolis could see record snow amounts. A MAJOR winter storm is becoming increasingly likely across that area and this storm has the potential to be an HISTORIC winter storm for the southern third of the state. Snow accumulations of 1" to 3" are possible all the way to Alabama's beaches.

Residents from Wilcox County southward to the beaches are being urged to stay home today. Businesses and schools are closed today.

Read More: Arctic Blast Grips Alabama with Extreme Cold and Wind Chills

Read More: Winter Storm Aims for Alabama: Timing, Impacts and Hazard Info

The Forecast:

Today
A slight chance of snow between 9am and 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 13. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 39. Calm wind.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Calm wind.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Thursday Night

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Topping the News:
Ivey Issues State of Emergency for a Large Portion of West Alabama

Governor Kay Ivey has issued a State of Emergency for 39 counties in Alabama due to the possibility of dangerous winter weather. In West Alabama those counties are Bibb, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry and Sumter.

The counties in the SOE are in an area designated by the National Weather Service for a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. The weather could deteriorate during the day resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Counties from Pickens and Tuscaloosa Counties northward are under a COLD WEATHER ADVISORY.


Schools Taking Adequate Precautions

Schools in Bibb, Greene, Hale, Pickens and Tuscaloosa City and County Systems and University Charter School are closed today. While wintry accumulations may be limited, school officials did not want students standing in extreme cold conditions waiting for busses.

Walker County Schools were operating under a two-hour delay this morning and again tomorrow morning.

The University of West Alabama and Shelton State Community College are closed today while Stillman College is utilizing -E-Learning.


Warming Centers Remain Open

The Compassion Coalition is continuing to operate a warming Station for those who need a warm and dry place to stay during the ongoing extreme cold weather.

Those seeking shelter in Tuscaloosa County should call 205-710-6766 to leave your name, callback number, current location in the county and number of persons needing shelter.

Residents of other West Alabama counties should call their county emergency management agency for information.


 

Sen. Britt Pushes Through Laken Riley Legislation

As power in Washington shifted from Democrats to Republicans, Alabama Junior U.S. Senator Katie Britt was able to get the Laken Riley Act she co-sponsored passed in the upper chamber. The bill is named after a Georgia nursing student whose murder by a Venezuelan man last year became a rallying cry for President Trump’s White House campaign.
The bill now heads back to the Republican-controlled House, which passed its version earlier this month and will need to approve changes made in the Senate.


Alabama Governor & U.S. Senators Optimistic About Trump's 2nd Term

Governor Ivey issued the following written statement about Donald Trump re-entering the presidency: “It is a beautiful day for the United States of America as we swear in President Trump and Vice President Vance. Beginning today, President Trump will get to work for our people, as he unleashes American energy and secures our Border. Alabama stands ready to support his mission to foster a stronger than ever America. Congratulations to President Trump and Vice President Vance. I am confident our best days are ahead!"
Alabama Senior U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville issued the following written statement concerning his backing for President Trump: “After four years of dangerous open borders, soaring inflation, out-of-control crime, and disastrous foreign policy, the national nightmare is finally over. The American people overwhelmingly delivered a mandate on November 5: they want President Trump’s agenda, and they want it now. During his first term, President Trump delivered the most secure border in history, a booming economy, law and order in our communities, and peace on the world stage—and today he will pick right back up where he left off. I look forward to working hand in glove with President Trump to Make America Great Again.”
Alabama's Junior U.S. Senator Katie Britt issued a written statement about the inauguration of President trump Monday: “Today is a new day in America with President Donald Trump’s historic inauguration,” said Senator Britt. “Every American will get to experience this landmark day, because President Trump and Vice President Vance will build a stronger, safer, more prosperous, and more secure nation for every American. From day one, promises made will become promises kept. My Senate Republicans and I stand ready to help deliver real results for hardworking families in every corner of America. Our nation’s best days are ahead and today marks not just the beginning of a presidential term, but our country turning a corner.”



Topping Sports News:

The 4th ranked Alabama Men's Basketball team faces a tough home game tonight at Coleman Coliseum. The Vanderbilt Commodores pay a visit just days after they dominated their cross-state rival Tennessee.
Last week Bama was embarrassed by Ole Miss but bounced back to upset Kentucky in Lexington by limiting turnovers and pounding the glass.
The Crimson Tide is an 11.5-point favorite in the 6:00pm game on ESPN and the Crimson Tide Sports Network (95.3 The Bear, Tide 100.9 and 1230AM WTBC).


Alabama Men Remain 4th in AP College Basketball Poll
The Crimson Tide's embarrassing win to Ole Miss last week was countered by their dominating performance over Kentucky Saturday. That was enough to keep The Tide 4th in this week's AP Poll and move them up to 3rd in the Coaches Poll.
AP Poll (SEC Teams Highlighted):

1. Auburn 17-1 (62)

2. Duke 16-2

3. Iowa State 15-2

4. Alabama 15-3

5. Florida 16-2

6. Tennessee 16-2

7. Houston 14-3

8. Michigan State 16-2

9. Kentucky 14-4

10. Marquette 15-3

11. Purdue 15-4

12. Kansas 13-4

13. Texas A&M 14-4

14. Mississippi State 15-3

15. Oregon 15-3

16. Ole Miss 15-3

17. Illinois 13-5

18. Wisconsin 15-3

19. UConn 13-5

20. St. John's 16-3

21. Michigan 14-4

22. Missouri 15-3

23. West Virginia 13-4

24. Memphis 14-4

 25. Louisville 14-5

 

Bama Women Remain 19th in AP Women's College Basketball Poll

AP Poll (SEC Teams Highlighted):
1. UCLA
2. South Carolina
3. Notre Dame
4. USC
5. LSU
6. UConn
7. Texas
8. Maryland
9. TCU
10. Kansas State
11. Kentucky
12. Ohio State
13. North Carolina
14. Duke
15. Oklahoma
16. West Virginia
17. Tennessee
18. Georgia tech
19. Alabama
20. North Carolina State
21. Michigan State
22. California
23. Minnesota
24. Michigan
25. Baylor


Click TuscaloosaThread.com for the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather. Better yet, download the app.
Stay warm!!

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