Winter Weather Advisory For Far North Alabama; Rain Elsewhere Today
RADAR CHECK: Rain is moving into West Alabama early this morning; temperatures are above freezing statewide and there is no wintry precipitation anywhere in the state just before daybreak. Thick fog has formed over the eastern and central counties, where a dense fog advisory has been issued.
For most places, today will be cloudy with occasional rain. However, as temperatures fall over the northern quarter of the state, there is still potential for a chance of some sleet, freezing rain, and a few snow flakes later today. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for areas north of a line from Hamilton to Cullman to Fort Payne.
The highest risk of icy travel in Alabama later today is along and north of the Tennessee River, although a few isolated icy patches can’t be ruled out as far south as Hamilton, Cullman, and Fort Payne. The best chance of accumulating snow is over Tennessee, where places like Nashville could see 3-5 inches by mid-afternoon… a winter storm warning is in effect there.
For most communities over the northern half of Alabama south of the advisory, temperatures will fall through the 30s this afternoon, but the precipitation will be long gone before we reach freezing. The big story is that this will be the coldest air so far this season. The sky will clear tonight, and we project a low in the 18-24 degree range early tomorrow morning, with a wind chill index around 10 degrees. Tomorrow will be a sunny day with a high between 37 and 41 degrees.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: After a low in the 20s, we expect a high in the mid 50s Saturday with a sunny sky. Clouds return Saturday night, and rain is likely statewide Sunday ahead of the next cold front. Some thunder is possible, but severe storms are not expected. The high Sunday will be in the 57-62 degree range.
NEXT WEEK: Another shot of colder air arrives Monday… with a clearing sky the high will be back in the 40s. Then, the rest of the week looks dry for now with mostly seasonal temperatures. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1886: The “Great Blizzard of 1886” struck the Midwest with high winds, subzero temperatures, and heavy snowfall. These conditions caused as many as 100 deaths, and 80% of the cattle in Kansas perished.
ON THIS DATE IN 1996: A severe nor’easter paralyzed the East Coast from January 6 to the 8. In Washington D.C., this storm is also known as the “Great Furlough Storm” because it occurred during the 1996 federal government shutdown. Snowfall amounts from this event include 47 inches in Big Meadows, Virginia; 30.7″ in Philadelphia; 27.8″ in Newark; 24.6″ at the Dulles International Airport; 24.2″ in Trenton; 24″ in Providence; 22.5″ in Baltimore; 18.2″ in Boston; 17.1″ in D.C.; and 9.6″ in Pittsburgh
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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
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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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