Today in Weather History: The Terrible 1985 North Alabama Ice Storm

One of the worst winter storms in Alabama history moved into the northwestern part of the state during the early morning hours of Friday, February 1, 1985 with a mix of freezing rain and sleet in the Florence area. Over 30 hours later, freezing drizzle was still falling there. During the event, up to eleven inches of ice and sleet would accumulate in Florence, making it the worst storm there since the big New Years’ Eve snowstorm in 1963.

By noon, Cullman roads glazed and by evening, 600 motorists would be stranded between Birmingham and Cullman on I-65. They would all spend the night in shelters. Hundreds of traffic accidents would be reported across North Alabama.

Early forecasts and warnings had helped the population prepare for the event. Winter Storm Warnings were issued for areas north of a line from Livingston to Birmingham to Anniston early in the morning, alerting residents that icing could begin by mid-afternoon. With memories of the terrible 1982 ice storm dancing in their heads, residents embarked on a midday exodus from schools and businesses. Grocery stores shelves were emptied of bread and coolers of milk by early Friday afternoon.

By evening, the fringes of the storm reached the Birmingham area, causing substantial icing on trees and powerlines that put thousands in the dark and scrambling to secure hotel rooms where the power was still on. Over 60,000 people were without power in Madison County alone.

But the brunt of the storm impacted areas north and northwest of Birmingham, including much of Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Cullman, Winston and parts of Walker County.

A total of twenty buildings collapsed under the weight of the ice.

There were many slip and fall injuries across the area. Four traffic fatalities were reported across the state, including the first African American elected official in Dallas County since Reconstruction, who was killed when the car she was riding in skidded on an icy interstate overpass in Sumter County.

The Birmingham Stallions in the USFL had to cancel their Saturday pre-season game with San Antonio was canceled when the Alamo City was struck with several inches of sleet and freezing rain as well, making it impossible to play the game.

Of course, forecasters were criticized for the forecast which largely didn’t materialize for the Birmingham area as low pressure over the Gulf shuttled no more warm air than expected. The forecast was spot on for North Alabama however, although residents were disappointed it was ice rather than snow.

Category: Met 101/Weather History