Alabama Winter Alert: Snow, Sleet, Freezing Rain & Hazardous Travel

With any winter event in the Deep South, it is best to stay informed and aware of the most current weather information. Forecasting winter weather in Alabama can be tricky, and details can change leading up to the expected winter weather event on Friday, January 10.

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The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, “Small fluctuations in temperatures at the ground and above the surface, as well as the intensity of the precipitation, will play a large role in precipitation type and accumulations and associated impacts.”

WINTER WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY

Timing

Starting after midnight and continuing until midday Friday, wintry precipitation may persist in far northern and northeastern parts of Central Alabama through Friday evening.

Risk Areas

Areas generally north of Highway 80 and Interstate 85, with the highest accumulations along and north of the I-20 corridor.

READ MORE: West Alabama County-by-County NWS Winter Weather Alerts Guide

Winter Weather Threats

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said, “A "wintry mix" of sleet, snow, and freezing rain will lead to icy/hazardous travel tomorrow morning down into the winter weather advisory.

In the Winter Storm Warning counties, snow and sleet accumulations will be 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts, and up to one-tenth of an inch of freezing rain is possible.

Winter Weather Advisory Counties can expect 1 to 2 inches of snow and sleet, along with up to one-tenth of an inch of freezing rain.

Possible Impacts on Friday

“Temperatures will likely be in the 29-32 degree range as the day begins, and with a cold infrastructure bridge, icing will begin quickly. Some blacktop road surfaces could become icy as well,” said Spann.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, “Travel conditions may become difficult to dangerous for areas in the Elevated and Significant impact areas (Counties included in the Winter Storm Warning), especially through Friday morning.  The morning commute will be impacted.”

“Slick spots may develop on area roadways, especially bridges and overpasses north of Highway 80 and Interstate 85, within the Winter Weather Advisory counties,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Potential Friday Night Impacts

A dreaded phrase in Alabama is “Black Ice.” There is the possibility that as temperatures return to or below freezing, this could impact our roads with the threat of black ice, making driving conditions questionable.

The Townsquare Media Weather Center will continue to monitor this incoming winter weather system and bring you all necessary updates. - Mary K. - Weather Forecaster.

Townsquare Media Radio Stations

Praise 93.3, 92.9 WTUG, 95.3 The Bear, Catfish 100.1, Tide 100.9, 101.7 The River, and 105.1 The Block.

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