Weather Authority Issues Winter Storm Warning for South Alabama
A winter storm warning is in effect for South Alabama due to a forecast of 2-3 inches of snow, with potentially higher accumulations in certain areas. Travel will likely become hazardous as snow accumulates rapidly, especially across southern regions. Icy conditions may persist into the following morning but should improve as temperatures rise later in the week.
A winter storm warning is now in effect for areas located along and south of a line stretching from Thomasville to Montgomery to Opelika, as reported by the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, a winter weather advisory has been implemented for several counties, including Shelby, Talladega, Calhoun, and Cleburne, north of this warning. Temperatures across Alabama will remain below freezing due to a persistent Arctic air mass, further complicated by the formation of a surface low in the Gulf of Mexico.
Precipitation is expected to commence in Southwest Alabama by late morning, with widespread snow coverage anticipated to develop in southern Alabama during the afternoon and evening hours. Snowfall amounts within the warning area are expected to range from 2 to 3 inches, with some areas potentially receiving over 4 inches. Should banding occur, Mobile could experience its heaviest snowfall since February 1973, while regions such as Gulf Shores and Pensacola are also likely to see snow accumulation.
Road conditions are expected to become hazardous as rapid snow accumulation occurs, particularly in South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. While the snowfall is expected to clear the state by 9:00 p.m., icy conditions may persist into the following morning. To the north, regions under the winter weather advisory may see lighter snowfall of under one inch, but this can still lead to dangerously slick roadways.
Current advisories do not encompass Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, or Gadsden, though light snow flurries remain a possibility. The advisory outlined includes counties such as Sumter, Greene, Hale, and Bibb, along with counties further south. Due to the unpredictable nature of winter storms, individuals should remain vigilant for updates and monitor radar trends.
Conditions may improve on Thursday afternoon as the sun shines down, but icy patches will likely persist. The morning in particular will be noted as the coldest for the week, with lows ranging from 6 to 14 degrees in the northern parts of the state. A slight disturbance could introduce a few flurries to North Alabama on Thursday, while the rest of the week is expected to remain dry and gradually warmer.
As for the upcoming weekend, Saturday promises to be dry with low temperatures between 18 to 25 degrees, leading to a high near 50 degrees. Clouds will build Saturday evening, and there exists a likelihood of rain impacting the northern half of the state on Sunday, with rain chances continuing into Monday.
The weather in Alabama is currently influenced by a winter storm warning, which has prompted the National Weather Service to alert residents of significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions. These warnings are particularly targeted toward southern regions of Alabama due to a looming Arctic air mass and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a forecast of significant snowfall and icy conditions. Understanding this dynamic weather situation is crucial for planning travel and safety measures for the affected populations.
In summary, South Alabama is bracing for a major winter storm with warnings in effect for several counties, predicting snowfall that could significantly impact travel and safety. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as conditions may change rapidly, and updates on snowfall and road conditions should be monitored closely. The weather should improve by late Thursday and into the weekend, with warmer temperatures expected following the storm.
Original Source: abc3340.com
