Alabama 811 | Know What's Below.

Bye Bye Snow

| January 17, 2013 @ 7:01 pm

It has certainly been an interesting weather day across North and Central Alabama as a powerful upper level low pressure system crossed the state.

As it did, strong dynamic cooling caused by the decreasing pressure in the atmosphere allowed temperatures aloft to become very cold. Meanwhile, a surface low advancing ahead of the upper low, was able to throw lots of moisture back into the upper lows circulation, where it cooled into snowflakes and fell over Mississippi and Alabama.

Strong mesoscale forcing allowed the system to overcome a 40+ degree ground and produced accumulating snows over much of West Central and Northwest Alabama. The cold air aloft meant temperatures dropped rapidly with height, with makes for unstable conditions. The instability led to convection. Several lightning strikes were observed and many people from Cullman County down through Walker and into Jefferson and St. Clair Counties heard thunder with the heaviest snow.

The result was a widespread 1 to 2 inch snowfall, with some 3 inch amounts reported. There will undoubtedly be a few higher amounts as well when all the reports come in.

Some folks were pleasantly surprised. Some were thoroughly disappointed. Sorry about that snow fans. You’ll get ’em next time.

All the snow is gone now. Clearing skies actually made it into eastern Alabama before dark and the stage is set for a cold night. Temperatures will drop to between 25-28F overnight. The falling mercury should reach freezing by 9-10 p.m. in most locations. This will allow slush and any standing water on roadways to freeze and become hazardous.

Some roads will be closed this evening. Check travel conditions if you must travel tonight. Roads in Cordova are closing at 7 p.m. and will remain closed until tomorrow morning.

Checking travel conditions will be imperative in the morning as well with the remaining ice around until mid-morning in spots that did not dry before the freezing conditions arrived.

Several school systems are delaying starts tomorrow morning, including Blount (3 hour delay), Oneonta (2 hour delay), Chilton (2 hour delay) and Trussville City (2 hour delay). Cullman Schools are reportedly closed for the day. All prudent moves.

Category: Alabama's Weather, Winter Weather

About the Author ()

Bill Murray is the President of The Weather Factory. He is the site's official weather historian and a weekend forecaster. He also anchors the site's severe weather coverage. Bill Murray is the proud holder of National Weather Association Digital Seal #0001 @wxhistorian

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