Alabama 811 | Know What's Below.

Icy Roadways Along with Surprise Flurries This Morning

| February 16, 2021 @ 5:29 am

At 5:25 am, there are a few flurries and very light snow showers being reported in parts of the area that may not be showing on radar at this point. There is not enough falling to cause any additional issues to what we have already on the roadways this morning. Temperatures as of 5:00 am were in the mid-teens to the lower 30s across the area, all of which are below freezing. Eufaula was at 31 degrees as the warm spot. Bessemer was the cold spot out of the reporting stations that we have data on at 15 degrees. Birmingham and Tuscaloosa were at 16 degrees.

CENTRAL ALABAMA: There are icy spots on the roads throughout all of the area, especially on those elevated surfaces, bridges, and overpasses. Those may stick around as temperatures at or below 15 degrees and wind chills at or just below zero will continue through 11:00 am this morning, with the coldest readings in the western parts of the area. While the interstates may not be all that bad at this point, remember that conditions will probably be worse on local roadways.

***If you do not have to get out today, please stay home. If you do, please drive slow and cautiously.***

NORTH ALABAMA: Icy roadways look to persist through much of the day today across all of North Alabama due to the Arctic cold air mass that has settled in over the area. Here is the latest Special Weather Statement from NWS Huntsville:

A bitter cold arctic air mass has pushed into the Tennessee Valley this morning, dropping temperatures well below the freezing mark. Black ice has developed across much of the road network across the area, either from ice and sleet that fell during the day on Monday, or from lingering moisture from recent rainfall that froze overnight. This black ice will remain in place on area roadways throughout the day as temperatures will remain below the freezing mark.

It will likely be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible to travel, especially during the typical hours of the morning rush hour commute. Bridges and overpasses, are especially at risk. Do not assume that a well traveled road will be free of ice. Additionally, some roads may also be blocked by falling trees or tree limbs.

Here is a list of accidents and ice on roadways that have been reported within the last hour (from ALGOTraffic’s Twitter feed):

Minor Crash on I-20 WB @ MP 167 at Exit 168: AL77 in Lincoln. Expect minor delays.
Minor Crash on US72 both directions. @ MP 64.5 at Hardy Rd in Athens.
Major Crash cleared on AL255 SB @ MP 4.9 at Plummer Rd in Huntsville.
Ice on Road on AL22 all directions @ MP 54.4 at AL191 in Maplesville. Expect moderate delays.
Ice on Road on AL22 all directions @ MP 58 at CR15 in Maplesville. Expect moderate delays.
Ice on Road on AL22 all directions @ MP 62.3 at CR37 in Clanton. Expect moderate delays.
Ice on Road on US280 both directions @ MP 3.7 at Dolly Ridge Rd in Mountain Brook.
Ice on Road on AL75 both directions @ MP 32.2 at CR39 in Blount County.
Ice on Road on AL75 both directions @ MP 41.9 at Ridgeway Rd in Blount County.
Ice on Road on US231 all directions @ MP 257.5 past GORDON DR in Blount County.
Ice on Road on AL261 both directions at Lake Davidson Lane in Jefferson County.

Once again, please do not get on the roadways today unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do, please drive slow and cautiously.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Winter Weather

About the Author ()

Scott Martin is an operational meteorologist, professional graphic artist, musician, husband, and father. Not only is Scott a member of the National Weather Association, but he is also the Central Alabama Chapter of the NWA president. Scott is also the co-founder of Racecast Weather, which provides forecasts for many racing series across the USA. He also supplies forecasts for the BassMaster Elite Series events including the BassMaster Classic.

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