Still Dry Tomorrow; Rain/Snow For Alabama Friday

COLD, DRY THROUGH TOMORROW: With a sunny sky this afternoon temperatures range from the low 30s over the Tennessee Valley to the low to mid 40s near the Gulf Coast. Tonight will be clear and cold with a low between 17 and 25 degrees for most places.

The weather stays cold and dry tomorrow with a high in the 40s; clouds will increase tomorrow night.

WINTER STORM WATCH: A winter storm watch is in effect for Friday for about the northern third of Alabama… for places as far south as Millport, Birmingham, Sylacauga, and Roanoke.

Here are the key messages for Friday’s winter storm potential….

*A mix of snow, sleet, and some freezing rain will move into West and North Alabama very early Friday morning; for most places it begins in the 3:00 to 6:00 a.m. time frame. A cold rain will begin over South Alabama.

*As the precipitation begins, evaporative cooling will likely bring temperatures down into the 28-31 degree range over the northern half of the state, where icy/hazardous road problems will likely begin. Some wintry precipitation is possible down into Central Alabama, potentially as far south as Greensboro, Montgomery, Opelika, and Phenix City (these places could see a brief period of freezing rain).

*During the day, the warm air advection process should be responsible for snow and freezing rain changing to a cold rain across Central Alabama. For example, in the Birmingham metro morning snow/freezing rain should be just a cold rain by midday Friday with temperatures creeping up into the mid 30s. However, for areas along and north of U.S. 278 (Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden), precipitation could remain all snow through the event. We do note the latest model runs do show some potential for a change to rain as far north as the Tennessee Valley for a brief time.

*The National Weather Service is forecasting amounts of 4-6 inches for the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama. Totals of 2-3 inches are forecast for places like Anniston and Gadsden in Northeast Alabama. Around 1-2 inches for Birmingham… Tuscaloosa could see 1/2 to one inch. Some freezing rain could create icy bridges down to the I-85 corridor for a brief time Friday morning.

*The NWS forecast snow amounts might need to be adjusted a little lower based on model trends we are seeing.

*Please understand I possess no knowledge of future road conditions in any specific location at any given time. Please see the ALGO traffic sites for information on road conditions as the event unfolds.

*A few lingering flurries are possible Saturday morning, but the weekend will be dry. Where snow cover lingers (mainly the Tennessee Valley), temperatures could drop into the 10-15 degree range early Sunday morning with a clear sky and light wind.

*Please understand forecasting the future, especially when it comes to winter storms in Alabama, isn’t easy. Know this forecast could change between now and Friday.

Next week looks mostly dry with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s; the next storm system will likely bring rain (no snow) toward the end of the week or on Saturday January 18. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1973: Georgia’s worst ice storm since 1935 occurred from the 7th through the 8th. Freezing rain and sleet began during the early morning hours on Sunday the 7th and ended in most areas on Monday. Total damage was estimated at well over $25 million. The electric power companies suffered losses estimated at $5 million, and telephone companies had another $2 million in damages. Some schools were closed for more than a week.

Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…

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