Late Morning Update
New model guidance has arrived, and I have adjusted the snow accumulation potential map slightly southward…
The rest of the morning discussion still stands (below). Will have a new blog discussion and Weather Xtreme video posted by 3:30 this afternoon…
NOTE: It is likely that a Winter Weather Advisory will be needed for parts of Alabama tomorrow as the event begins to unfold, please understand that is an UPGRADE from a Winter Storm Watch.
Here is a look at the impacts you can expect tomorrow…
POWER: We do not expect power outages tomorrow since for most places snow accumulation will be relatively light, and winds won’t be over 25 mph. In Alabama, it usually takes lots of freezing rain (an ice storm), or heavy, wet snow for major outages in winter.
ROADS: Light snow could begin early tomorrow over the northern third of the state, with icy spots developing on bridges and overpasses. Soil temperatures are relatively warm, so many road surfaces will be wet initially, but keep in mind many places across North Alabama will stay below freezing all day tomorrow, meaning potential for some icy travel where snow falls.
But the most widespread travel issues will come late tomorrow afternoon, through tomorrow night, and into Saturday morning as precipitation rates increase and temperatures fall into the 20s. Roads could very well become icy and dangerous over the northern half of Alabama, where the heavier precipitation comes down. The main travel issues will be in the Winter Storm Watch area, but we can’t rule out a few spotty issues to the south as well.
Keep in mind icy travel is likely to the north and east of Alabama, with some of the heaviest snow likely over parts of North and Central Georgia up into the Carolinas. Atlanta could be a big mess Saturday morning.
BIRMINGHAM-SHUTTLESWORTH AIRPORT: Snow could mean potential for flight delays or reduced operation, mainly tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night.
STAY UP TO DATE: If you are using old weather information (more than 6 hours old), that is bad information. More changes in the forecast are very possible during the day today. Take some time to watch the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
Category: Alabama's Weather
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James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.Subscribe
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