Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for 19 northern Alabama counties as people across the state brace for winter weather.
This weekend will bring blustery, potentially icy conditions to parts of north Alabama and rain and storm conditions to central Alabama.
Subscribe to The Alabama Baptist today!
SIGN UP for our weekly Highlights emails.
State agencies are preparing for a massive weather system that will bring below freezing temperatures Monday and Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.
Big rain event?
On Alabama Weather Network, meteorologist James Spann said for most of Alabama the system will “simply be a big rain event.”
“(The) greatest risk of ice accumulation from freezing rain will be over the northwest and northeast corners of the state,” Spann said. “But, black ice could be an issue for the entire northern half of the state Sunday night and Monday as temperatures fall rapidly into the teens after the rain. Odds of any accumulating snow over the Tennessee Valley are very low, but a few flakes are possible Sunday afternoon.”
Leadership of the Alabama Legislature, based on information from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, has already moved Monday budget hearings to keep lawmakers off of the potentially dangerous roads, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, announced Thursday morning.
Ledbetter said he and Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, are monitoring the weather alongside AEMA officials and will make a decision about Tuesday’s meetings by Sunday afternoon.
Stay alert
The expected precipitation mixed with freezing temperatures can create the potential for dangerous driving conditions.
“Black ice is one of the most dangerous hazards drivers face because it’s often invisible,” said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor in a press release. “Roads may look wet but can be slick in an instant, especially overnight and during early morning hours. Preparing now and adjusting travel plans, in addition to practicing safe driving behaviors, can prevent serious crashes.”
The Alabama Department of Transportation and ALEA recommend that people stay off the roads if possible and slow down if travel cannot be avoided.
Ivey’s declared emergency includes Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker and Winston Counties.
Full story.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Claire Harrison and originally published by Alabama Daily News. With reporting by Mary Sell.
Share with others: