Get ready, Alabama, because a potential winter storm is on its way, and it's bringing a mix of snow and ice!
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued, and forecasters are keeping a close eye on this developing weather event. From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, a significant winter weather system is expected to impact a large portion of the region.
The areas under the Winter Storm Watch span across North Alabama and southern Middle Tennessee. This includes counties like Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin, as well as cities such as Huntsville, Florence, and Decatur.
Here's the latest update from James Spann:
- Freezing rain is likely to start across Northwest Alabama on Saturday morning, with temperatures dipping to the 27-32 degree range. Ice accumulation is expected, but by afternoon, temperatures are predicted to rise, easing the icing conditions.
- The European global model, known for its reliability, suggests a warm sector associated with the surface low moving northward. This could keep North Alabama above freezing from Saturday afternoon to early Sunday morning, with temperatures reaching the 55-60 degree range as far north as I-20.
- However, there's a potential for cold air damming to bring colder air into Northeast Alabama on Saturday night. This could lead to freezing rain and ice issues in counties like Jackson and DeKalb.
- For the rest of Alabama, with warmer air in the lower levels, precipitation is expected to be mainly rain on Saturday night and early Sunday.
- Temperatures will drop rapidly on Sunday as the surface low moves away, but the precipitation will end as the cold air arrives. There's a chance of snow or freezing rain on Sunday afternoon.
- Black ice is a serious concern on Sunday night and Monday morning across the northern half of Alabama. Temperatures are predicted to drop to the 10-18 degree range, creating potentially hazardous road conditions.
The bottom line is that warmer temperatures in the lower levels mean most of the precipitation across Alabama will likely be rain this weekend. But there are three critical windows to watch out for:
- Icing in Northwest Alabama on Saturday morning
- Icing in Northeast Alabama on Saturday night
- Black ice across the northern half of Alabama on Sunday night and Monday morning
A winter storm watch remains in effect for the northern third of Alabama. Stay tuned for more updates, as forecasts can change!
And here's a thought-provoking question for our readers: With the potential for ice and black ice, how can we ensure our communities are prepared and safe during this winter storm?
