Governor Kay Ivey Declares State of Emergency As Snow Approaches

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared an official State of Emergency Monday afternoon as most of the state prepares to see wintry weather Tuesday morning.

Declaring a state of emergency activate's the Alabama Emergency Operations Center in Clanton and will allow the Alabama National Guard to be locally deployed to assist communities in need. It also gives various state agencies authorization to respond to changing conditions needed.

"This winter storm has the potential to affect a large portion of our state. Citizens in the northern half of the state should be especially mindful of the changing weather conditions,” Governor Ivey said. “Travel conditions could be negatively impacted Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Please avoid travel if possible, and be very careful if you do have to get out on the roadways.”

Ivey asked all motorists stay aware of weather conditions and keep off the road if possible, but the Alabama State Troopers released eight tips Monday for drivers who must travel in wintry conditions.

"Now is a good time to prepare for the inclement conditions winter weather may bring in the coming days,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Brian Hastings said in a state-issued press release. “Although the storm is fast-moving with short but heavy bursts of snow fall, it is the freezing temperatures after the front passage and especially at night that will create dangerous driving conditions where residual water on roadways freezes.”

For real-time road conditions, the Alabama Department of Transportation is encouraging individuals to visit www.algotraffic.com.

This station and website will also be updated regularly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as the situation develops.