A Brief Update At 8:10 AM… Conditions Rapidly Deteriorating in NW Alabama

At 8:05 AM, snowfall has started as far east as Decatur in North Alabama, and is currently falling along and west of a line from Moulton to Double Springs to Winfield to Vernon. Temperatures are ranging from the mid-20s to the lower 30s north of the I-20 corridor, with mid-30s to the upper 30s in the south.

Already starting to get reports of slick roads from up in northwestern parts of North Alabama. Florence Police is reporting that some roads are becoming slick and are turning white. Also, roadways in Tuscumbia are starting to deteriorate quickly. Reports of overpasses and secondary roadways are becoming slick in Red Bay and in Russellville. In the northwestern parts of Central Alabama, public reports are coming in that snow is starting to cover roadways in Haleyville. This trend will continue as the snow continues to move further into North and Central Alabama throughout the day and into the evening.

The forecast for today’s winter weather event is still on track that could lead to significant icing issues soon after the snow starts in your location. The cold front has made it into the east and southeastern parts of Central Alabama at this point, and once it passes your location, the temperature will begin to fall and will do so until sunrise on Wednesday morning.

The latest coming in from our northwest is showing that the system is overperforming a little, so the snowfall accumulations across the area could now range from 1.0 to 1.5 inches with some locally heavier amounts. 2.5 inches of snow was reported in metro Memphis, which was above what was forecasted. There may be a possibility of an increase in accumulations due to an approaching vorticity maximum which could enhance the snowfall this afternoon and into tonight. A Winter Storm Warning may be needed if this situation looks more evident throughout the day. If this occurs, accumulations may reach up to 4 inches in locations along and east of I-59.

Along with the snow threat comes a major cooldown, as very frigid arctic air will invade the state behind the cold front. A Wind Chill Advisory has been issued for all of North and Central Alabama, along with a Hard Freeze Watch for all of Central Alabama, both until 9:00 AM Wednesday. Low temperatures are expected to bottom out in the 5 to 15-degree range from the Tennessee state line down to Troy and Eufaula. Combine those temperatures with winds out of the north up to 15 MPH, wind chills will be in the -5 to 5-degree range. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur very quickly if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves.

Please remember the 4-Ps… People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes. The cold air that will be in place can cause damage to plants and property, so be sure you take the proper steps to protect those. Be sure to check on the elderly and make sure they have proper and safe ways of staying warm. Bring those pets indoors as this cold will be harmful or even deadly.

Keep checking back with us on the blog throughout the day for the latest updates, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook (@AlabamaWxBlog).

Tags: ANC

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS