Winter storm poised to strike south Alabama

January 20, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL - weather forecasters are predicting that the lower half of Alabama - all the way to the Gulf Coast - is set to face a rare for the area winter storm that includes freezing temperatures, ice, and snow accumulations.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) has issued a state of emergency for 39 counties ahead of this next round of winter weather.

"Alabama, once again, is faced with the potential for winter weather, but this time, for the southern half of the state," said Gov. Ivey. "We are anticipating potentially dangerous and uncertain driving conditions in the impacted portions of the state, so I am urging Alabamians to err on the side of caution and limit their travel. Make any necessary preparations now, stay tuned in to your weather forecasts and stay warm."

The counties include: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Washington and Wilcox.

The state of emergency went into effect Monday at sunset and will remain in effect for the duration of this state of emergency. Alabama law specifies that a state of emergency ordinarily will last 60 days; however, it may be terminated earlier by written proclamation.

Most schools, government offices, courts, and many businesses will be closed. Do not travel in the affected areas unless you need to travel and call to find out if your school or workplace is even open before leaving the office and if you do have to go out dress in warm clothing and drive much more slowly than normal due to the hazardous weather conditions. Leave early to give yourself more time to get there. Be especially careful when going over bridges and flyovers as these have a high likelihood of icing over.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that the low in Mobile Tuesday will be 26 degrees. The snow will start falling in the are at 6:00 a.m. and continue through the noon hour. Accumulations will be over three inches. Cold temperatures will continue on Wednesday so the snow will not melt off quickly.

The low in Montgomery on Tuesday is predicted to be 23 degrees. The snow accumulation is predicted to be just a half an inch. The snow should begin around 6 am and continue off and on through 6:00 p.m. The low on Wednesday will be 15 degrees.

Dothan is expected to receive between one and three inches of snow, starting around 2:00 p.m. and lasting through 8:00 p.m.

Cold temperatures throughout Alabama are the biggest concerns.

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