Preparations being made as winter storm nears

A winter storm is predicted to hit the Tennessee Valley this weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, with several counties expected to receive freezing rain or possibly up to 4 or more inches of snow.

Meteorologist Rebecca Darish said for the rest of this week to expect frigid weather, with highs remaining in the 30s and “well below” freezing temperatures at night.

“Through the rest of the week, it is going to be chilly,” Darish said Tuesday. “Our coldest night is Wednesday into Thursday where we have temperatures down into the teens. We usually hit our lowest temperatures right before the sunrise, so it is going to be bitterly cold.”

Darish said winter precipitation is expected to begin late Thursday night and continue into Friday as a low-pressure system moves through the state, pulling cold air from the north.

“That’s what is bringing this as more of a winter precipitation event as opposed to just a rainfall event, so it looks like we are going to be starting snow,” Darish said. “With our current forecast, we have snow starting late Thursday night just after midnight and continuing through the day on Friday and ending early Saturday morning. Everywhere right now is forecast to get from an inch to just over 2 inches and that’ll likely change as we get closer.”

The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) also issued a statement saying they are actively monitoring road conditions in anticipation of potential winter weather, which may create hazardous driving conditions and make many roads impassable.

“Periods of heavy snowfall are possible during this timeframe, and road conditions may deteriorate quickly, creating hazardous travel conditions,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “HPD urges residents to prepare in advance and prioritize safety during this winter storm.”

Tips for drivers:

• Avoid unnecessary travel: If you do not need to travel, stay off the roads. Hazardous conditions can lead to accidents and impede emergency response efforts.
• Respect road closures and barricades: Going around barricades placed on closed roads is illegal. These closures are in place to protect the public from unsafe conditions.
• Do not leave vehicles abandoned on roadways: If your vehicle becomes disabled, pull it to the right of way if it is safe to do so. Abandoned vehicles block access for first responders and road crews.
• Plan ahead: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking tires, brakes, windshield wipers and fluid levels. Carry an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight and a fully charged phone.
• Drive with caution: If you must drive, reduce speed, increase following distances and allow extra time to reach your destination. Watch for icy patches, especially on bridges and overpasses.

If emergency assistance is needed in Huntsville during this weather event, call 911. For non-emergency assistance, call HPD Dispatch at 256-722-7100.

Darish said there may be some freezing rain in areas south of the Tennessee River, and the dividing line between predominantly snow and a wintry mix remains uncertain.

“The big thing is where the line between mainly snow and a more wintry mix is going to set up and that is what we are going to look at because it very well could be set between Morgan, Madison, Limestone, and Lincoln (counties),” Darish said. “We are eying the Tennessee River as a breaking point. Since it is such a fine detail, it is very possible that a couple of miles difference could be snow versus freezing rain.”

In a press release, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency emphasizes the importance of proper vehicle maintenance during winter storm conditions. Motorists are encouraged to take precautions such as checking their battery, inspecting tires, fluid levels, wipers and lights, as well as preparing an emergency kit.

For those who must drive, ALEA advises against using cruise control. The agency recommends reducing speeds, maintaining adequate distance between vehicles, exercising caution on bridges and overpasses, being alert for black ice and staying informed about road conditions.

With the frigid temperatures this week, the Alabama Department of Public Health urges residents to be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

ADPH said signs and symptoms of hypothermia for adults include shivering, exhaustion or feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. For babies, look for bright red, cold skin and very low energy.

Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy and numbness.