Early Afternoon Look

A winter storm warning remains in effect for most of Central, and parts of Southwest Alabama, through early tomorrow morning.

Rain, freezing rain, and sleet is falling generally along and south of I-20, with only light snow flurries to the north, where a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect. A nose of warm air aloft, about 5,000 feet off the ground, is keeping much of the precipitation liquid for now.

That warm air aloft will erode tonight as cold air deepens, and precipitation will turn to all snow and sleet this evening. Heaviest accumulation will be in the Winter Storm Warning area.

TRAVEL: We do NOT recommend travel across North or Central Alabama this afternoon and tonight. Road continues will only deteriorate. While the snow and sleet will end during the pre-dawn hours tomorrow, temperatures will remain below freezing through the day, so hazardous driving conditions will continue at least through the morning hours. Possibly through the entire day where the heavier precipitation falls.

POWER: In the heavier precipitation bands tonight, some scattered outages are possible, but widespread powe outages are not expected.

AIR TRAVEL: Operations at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport could be impacted by winter weather tonight, and the same tomorrow for Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta. Expect delays.

DRIVING TO TAMPA: If you are leaving Central Alabama for the National Championship game Monday, you need to leave now, or wait until Sunday. Don’t try anything tonight or tomorrow.

TO THE EAST: Winter storm warnings are up to Virginia tomorrow as the snow and wintry precipitation moves to the east.

Stay tuned to the blog for updates through the afternoon and tonight.

Tags: sleet, snow

Category: Alabama's Weather