Alabama 811 | Know What's Below.

Snow FAQ

| January 6, 2010 @ 11:56 am | 42 Replies

We have done our best to handle these questions over the past few days, but again here are some answers to your questions…

WHEN WILL IT SNOW? Based on new model guidance this morning, we will adjust the time a bit to reflect a slower arrival. The main window for snow will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. tomorrow. The snow will begin initially over West Alabama, possible as early as 7:00 a.m., then spreading east during the day. All of the snow should out of the state by 10:00 p.m.

HOW MUCH? No change. The best chance of 1 to 2 inches on the ground will be between a line from Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Anniston on the north (I-20), to a line from Demopolis to Billingsley to Alexander City to Lafayette on the south. North of Birmingham, the 12Z models are slightly more aggressive with the moisture, but we still project 1 inch for most places north of I-20. A wintry mix is likely for Montgomery south.

WHAT ABOUT DRIVING CONDITIONS? Soil temps are low, the highway infrastructure is cold, so we do expect slick spots on bridges and the roads over higher terrain as early as tomorrow afternoon (2 to 5 p.m.), continuing tomorrow night into Friday morning. Driving will be tricky and somewhat hazardous in the 4:00 p.m. Thursday to 9:00 a.m. Friday time frame. Remember, we are just talking 1 to 2 inches of snow, but slick spots are likely.

While we will stay below freezing through the entire weekend, evaporation will mean improving road conditions during the day Friday, and only isolated trouble is expected Friday night through the weekend. But, any moisture on thee road then will be ice.

WHAT ABOUT THE AIRPORT? We expect no major issues at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, but some delays are possible.

POWER OUTAGES? Remember, we are talking light snow here, and not ice, so no significant power outages are expected. The outage this morning over West Alabama was related to a transmission line failure.

SCHOOLS? Officials will make that call later today or tonight, and we will post the closings on the main ABC 33/40 web site as we get information. We do know that Cullman County schools have decided to close tomorrow and Friday.

I will have the complete afternoon discussion and Weather Xtreme video posted by 3:30… stay tuned!

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About the Author ()

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.

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