Severe Storms, Dangerous Cold & Possible Icy Roads to Impact Alabama

As the winter storm “Fern,” named by The Weather Channel, treks across 34 states, it is leaving widespread disruption in its wake.

The historic, widespread, long-lasting winter storm has already blanketed parts of the South and Plains with ice and snow, and will target millions more in the Midwest and Northeast through Monday, said The Weather Channel.

For the Yellowhammer State, the storm is bringing a range of weather hazards. Here is the latest outlook to help you stay weather aware.

NOW

A few locations, mainly in far northwest and northeast Alabama, continue to face an icing risk, with periods of wintry precipitation mixing with cold rain. This is mainly for the Winter Weather Advisory zone, which includes Fayette, Lamar, and Walker in our Townsquare Media Coverage Area.

Sunday Severe Weather Threat Info

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has that “Rain will be heavy at times, primarily on Sunday, with 2-4 inches forecast for locations northwest of Interstate 85; minor flooding may occur.”

There has been a change in the risk zones; levels 1 and 2 now apply to portions of Alabama.

West Alabama Counties Under a Marginal Risk

Bibb

Greene

Hale

Perry

Pickens – the southern portion of the county

Sumter

Tuscaloosa – the southern portion of the county

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West Alabama Marginal Risk Timeline

Bibb – 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.

Greene – 9 a.m. through 11 a.m.

Hale – 9 a.m. through 11 a.m.

Perry – 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.

Pickens – the southern portion of the county

Sumter – 9 a.m. through 11 a.m.

Tuscaloosa – the southern portion of the county

Threats

“Damaging winds and tornadoes are the current hazards, with the greatest severe chances along and south of the U.S. 80/I-85 corridors,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Wind Gusts

On Sunday, residents can expect gusty winds ahead of the incoming cold front.

Bibb: Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Greene: Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Hale: Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Perry: Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Sumter: Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Walker: Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Monday

There is a Cold Weather Advisory for West Alabama from Midnight to 10 a.m. on Monday. Communities across West Alabama can expect very cold wind chill values as low as 1 or zero degrees. Be sure to take caution.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said that “Icy patches will occur early in the week where moisture lingers or drains across walkways and roadways.  Black ice will be a concern.”

The Townsquare Media Weather Center will continue to provide you with timely updates and essential information to help keep you safe.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster