Snow Continues to Increase

Snow continues to increase this afternoon across Central Alabama.

In the Birmingham metro area, moderate to occasionally heavy snow now extends from southeastern Walker through western Jefferson, into northern Bibb and western Shelby County.

Some heavier snow also extends from Dallas through Autauga into Chilton, Coosa and Talladega Counties.

Heavier snow was building over southern Pickens and Greene Counties and moving toward Tuscaloosa County as well.

Here is Trussville, the snowflakes have gotten much larger in the past few minutes.

ACCUMULATIONS
The 1-2 inch forecast we have stuck to tenaciously since yesterday is looking just fine, with 2-5 inches further south across Central Alabama. Some areas may get more in the I-20 corridor though with the disturbance swinging into West Alabama. The best lift is moving in now.

A FEW REPORTS
Susan Barber reports two inches in Clay.

3/4 of an inch of snow reported in Albertville as well as around Good Hope.

Michelle Miklik in Weaver reports roads are wet, slushy in places.

Blount County EMA reports Highway 231 just north of Oneonta is a “solid sheet of ice.” There is a 4 vehicle wreck there. Other reports of multiple wrecks in Blount County.

ICY ROADS
Many areas have one quarter to one inch of snow, mainly on grassy areas and roods now, but snow is sticking to roads in some places. The heaviest snow amounts have been over southeastern Alabama, where three inch amounts are common over Macon, Bullock and Pike Counties. Our skywatcher John Brown is in Troy where he is streaming live video of the snow. John reports 4 inches in Troy.

Bridges and overpasses and some secondary roads will continue to become slick as snow accumulates on the colder surfaces. This will lead to travel problems. These problems will remain with us even after the snow ends this afternoon. Travel could be dangerous tonight as temperatures go well below freezing and any slush or moisture freezes on roads. Be very, very careful if you must travel tonight. SLOW DOWN! Take it easy and don’t drive if you don’t have to!

Most downtown Birmingham businesses closed at noon. We encourage all business owners and managers to consider letting your employees go home across Central Alabama before roads become dangerous.

A LESSON LEARNED ABOUT PEOPLE
I am disappointed in the minority of folks who were insanely ugly about the forecasts yesterday and this morning. Weather forecasting still has a significant amount of uncertainty with it, and there is no sense in people getting bent out of shape over a snow forecast. You know who you are and you should be ashamed. If snow is that important to you, I would consider moving to Baltimore. There are plenty of folks there who will trade with you.

Category: Uncategorized