“Navigating the Hazards: Alabama’s Travel Advisory in Today’s Turbulent Times”

By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency

CLANTON – Friday, 6:45 am January 10, 2025

Examine the map above. If you are situated in the Winter Storm Warning zone, it is advisable to refrain from all travel today. As of 6 am, numerous reports indicate that roads are either ice-covered or impassable. If you reside in the Winter Weather Advisory area, limit travel until this afternoon.

For the most up-to-date road conditions/hazards, be sure to download the Alabama Department of Transportation App (ALGO Traffic) or visit their website at algotraffic.com

Additionally, remember that even one accident beyond your control during winter weather can leave you stranded on a roadway for minutes or hours.

Precipitation generally north of the Tuscaloosa – Clanton – Auburn line consists of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with predominantly snow/sleet north of I-20 at 6 am.

Temperatures as far north as I-20 are forecasted to exceed freezing between 9 am and noon, and some areas north of I-20 might remain above freezing from 12 pm to 6 pm. Nevertheless, many regions north of I-20 may not experience thawing, causing sleet and freezing rain to persist into the afternoon.

Even with temperatures hitting the mid 30s to lower 40s, road surfaces will require time for melting, making hazardous roadway conditions continue throughout the day.

The majority of the precipitation is expected to finish by 6 pm in the western parts and the northern half of the state by 1 am. Precipitation will cease in the southern half by 5 am Saturday. Total snow/sleet accumulation in the Winter Storm Warning area will be between 2-5 inches, and up to 2 inches in the Winter Weather Advisory zone. Local heavier amounts may occur where denser precipitation bands are present.

Overall ice accumulation will typically be 0.1 inch or less, but certain locations may see 0.1 – 0.3 inch, particularly to the east of I-65.

Low temperatures overnight will range from the mid 20s in the north to mid 30s in the far south. Any remaining water on roads may refreeze overnight. High temperatures on Saturday south of I-20 are expected to range from the mid 30s to mid 40s. North of I-20, lower to mid 30s are anticipated, with many areas likely not surpassing freezing.

A sharply cold night Saturday/Sunday morning with lows from the mid-teens in the north to upper 20s in the south. Highs by Sunday afternoon should exceed freezing throughout the state, ranging from upper 30s in the north to mid 50s in the south.