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Published on January 9, 2025
The City of Huntsville, Madison County, and the City of Madison are currently collaborating as northern Alabama braces for a winter storm on Friday.
Preparations are ongoing to mitigate the effects on roadways due to the anticipated snow and ice, although driving conditions are expected to be hazardous. A winter storm warning will take effect at midnight Thursday for northern Alabama, including Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties. Governor Kay Ivey has issued a state of emergency for a significant portion of the state, including the Huntsville metropolitan area.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, and Madison County Commissioner Mac McCutcheon spoke about the storm at a press conference on Thursday morning.
“We want to reassure everyone that we are collaborating closely with local, regional, and state officials to guarantee a proactive approach,” Mayor Battle remarked. “We have been closely tracking this weather situation. We are getting ready for the worst while hoping for the best.”
“This is a collaboration, and we are all working in unison,” Chairman McCutcheon stated. “City and County governments are utilizing the resources we have in a synchronized effort.”
Residents should take measures to prepare to stay home if the weather results in persistent road issues.
“The most crucial message we wish to impart is the necessity for personal readiness,” Mayor Battle said. “You can still visit the grocery store, acquire the food, fuel, and prescriptions you require, and have a plan established to endure this winter weather event over the next 72 hours.”
While local governments have made preparations for the weather, individuals should also prepare in case the weather leads to ongoing issues on roadways.
“Ask yourself, ‘Do I truly need to leave this house?’” Mayor Finley inquired. “Is it a necessity or a desire? If we concentrate on needs, we will be in a far better position to assist those who genuinely require help, and this community is stepping up to do that.”
Huntsville is deploying snowplows and motor graders across the city, especially in regions with significant inclines and near medical facilities. The City has recently outfitted 10 of its 1-ton trucks with plows, bringing the total to 15 1-ton trucks equipped with plows. Huntsville also possesses 20 half-ton trucks fitted with bumper-mounted plows along with motor graders.
The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is placing barricades in locations where road closures may be necessary, such as on bridges and overpasses. HPD Chief Kirk Giles emphasized that ignoring barricades is unlawful, and any traffic incidents occurring on closed roads will not be responded to by HPD.
The Alabama Department of Transportation has pre-treated federal and state roads in anticipation of the storm. In Huntsville, ALDOT oversees Interstate 565, Memorial Parkway (U.S. 231), Governors Drive (U.S. 431), Research Park Boulevard (Alabama 255), Alabama 53, and U.S. 72 (University Drive).
Madison County Commissioners have treated rural roads outside the city limits of Huntsville and Madison. The City of Madison and Madison County will position heavy machinery to assist in clearing key roads.
Warming stations are available for anyone requiring temporary shelter from the weather. The Community Warming Center at The Livin’ Room has extended its hours to Sunday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m.
If the City remains open, Huntsville Transit will offer transportation to warming centers. If the City is closed, those in need of a ride should call the non-emergency number of the Huntsville Police Department at 256-722-7100.
This page was generated automatically; to view the article in its initial position, you can access the link below:
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