By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – The forecast maps shows where accumulations of snow are expected today. In fact, Choctaw county in southwest Alabama could have close to five inches by this afternoon!
As of 730 am, some heavier bands of snow occurred across the I-20 corridor, especially in Jefferson and Shelby counties. As expected, the snowfall rate exceeded the melting rate even though temperatures were above freezing with warm soil temperatures. This has led to many slushy roads and difficult driving conditions. If you must travel, allow extra time to reach your destination and drive slower.
Another concern will be the freezing of water on roadways Friday night/Saturday morning, especially elevated surfaces. Temperatures will drop below freezing along the I-20 corridor around midnight, and by 3 am Saturday all the way to Mobile. Temperatures should go above freezing area wide by late Saturday morning.
If at all possible, avoid travel from Friday night through Saturday morning, and thus avoid any icy patches on roads and especially bridges and overpasses. If you must travel, again, allow extra time and drive much slower than normal.
A warming trend will occur by Sunday into the middle of next week, and Friday’s event will quickly become a memory.