“Messy Weekend Situation” Ahead for Alabama, Says James Spann

In his evening weather briefing, James Spann, Alabama Weather Network and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, broke down what lies ahead for Alabama this weekend, calling it a “MESSY WEEKEND SITUATION.”

I’ll be upfront with you, we are heading into a complicated weather setup this weekend, with a lot still unfolding.

Here’s the latest weather information West Alabama residents need to know right now.

STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR 19 NORTHERN COUNTIES

“Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed a proclamation issuing a state of emergency for 19 northern counties ahead of the anticipated wintry and icy forecast for the state.”

Counties included are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker, and Winston.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

Lamar, Fayette, Marion, Winston, and Walker counties were upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Sunday. It also includes counties outside the Townsquare Media Coverage Area, such as Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston counties.

In the Winter Weather Advisory zone, residents can “expect mixed precipitation. Snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch, and ice accumulations up to one-quarter inch. Those in this area should expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice. In addition, Travel could be impossible,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

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NEW INFO - SEVERE WEATHER THREAT

We are now monitoring the potential for severe weather this weekend for areas from I-20, including Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Anniston.

Spann said, “In fact, there could be a few strong thunderstorms Sunday ahead of the cold front. A low-end severe thunderstorm threat could develop.”

The National Weather Service in Birmingham also mentioned the possibility of “minor flooding.”

FALLING TEMPERATURES

As the rain ends Sunday night, you should prepare yourself for two things: 1) a drastic difference in temperatures and 2) a chance of a flash freeze. This combination could cause black ice Sunday night into Monday morning over the northern half of Alabama.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster