Alabamians Should Prepare for Possible Significant Winter Impacts

The Townsquare Media Weather Center has been monitoring the possibility of winter weather in West Alabama for several days.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, "Confidence continues to increase for the potential of significant winter weather impacts, especially across the northern half of Central Alabama.”

The impacts in Alabama are part of a more extensive system that The Weather Channel has named “Winter Storm Cora.” Various winter weather alerts have already been issued for Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

National Weather Service in Birmingham’s “What You Need to Know”

What

Impactfully significant amounts of snow and/or ice accumulation.  Snow and sleet accumulations between 2 and 5 inches are possible for counties included within the Winter Storm Watch.

Where

The northern half of Central Alabama, with the greatest potential for impactful accumulations along and north of the I-20 corridor.

When

Precipitation may begin as early as late Thursday night in the west and southwest, spreading over much of Central Alabama overnight through Friday morning.  Wintry precipitation should come to an end by Friday evening.

Impacts

Travel conditions may become difficult to dangerous across the northernmost counties.

Slick spots may develop on area roadways, including but not limited to bridges and overpasses along and north of the U.S. 80/I-85 corridors.

I want to stress that weather information will be updated as Friday approaches. Remember that forecasting winter weather in our region can pose some challenges. Be sure that you are getting yourself and your family prepared for Winter Storm Cora.

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Additional Winter Weather Guidance from James Spann

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said “Wintry precipitation is possible down into Central Alabama, potentially as far south as Greensboro, Montgomery, and Phenix City (these places could see a brief period of freezing rain).”

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

Spann notes, "Snow amounts of 4-6 inches are now forecast 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 one inch or so. Some freezing rain could create icy bridges down to the I-85 corridor for a brief time Friday morning.”

As new information is released, the Townsquare Media Weather Center will update you with the necessary information.