Elmore and Montgomery Embrace Freedom: The Thawing of Travel Restrictions!

(This report has been refreshed with additional details.)

Road conditions improved throughout Wednesday, enabling officials in Montgomery and Elmore counties to rescind the majority of travel restrictions on roadways.

Throughout a significant portion of Wednesday, emergency management offices in the counties were advising the public to avoid roadways unless absolutely essential. Despite the reduction of restrictions, there may still be icy patches in certain locations, prompting citizens to exercise caution; especially on bridges and overpasses or on less frequented roads.

Low temperatures Thursday morning are projected to be in the lower to mid-teens. Any moisture present on the roads might refreeze overnight, according to Wade Lyles, the director of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency. Officials warned drivers to remain cautious if traveling overnight or early Thursday morning.

“While some roads are becoming clear, others may still experience black ice,” the Montgomery Police Department stated in a notice. “We advise that residents only drive if absolutely necessary to ensure roadways remain clear for emergency services.”

“If residents must drive, we urge them to do so with utmost caution.”

Autauga County and Prattville reported no travel difficulties. Prattville, situated in the extreme southeast corner of the county, received a light dusting of snow on Tuesday. Minor accumulations were noted throughout the county.

The National Weather Service’s forecast for the tri-county region predicts lows in the mid to upper teens until Friday morning. High temperatures will gradually rise to the low to mid-40s by Friday.

More: Once winter storm passes, weather changes on the way to frozen Alabama

At approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency revised the travel conditions in the area:

• Elmore County: U.S. 231 has icy conditions.
• Montgomery County: Most roadways south of the City of Montgomery are impassable.
• Lowndes County: All county roads, state, and federal highways are deemed impassable.
• Macon County: All county roads, state, and federal highways are deemed impassable. Exercise great caution on Interstate 85 in both the north and southbound lanes, where vehicles are currently stuck on ice in various spots.
• Lee County: All county roads, state, and federal highways are deemed impassable. Exercise great caution on Interstate 85 in both the north and southbound lanes, where vehicles are currently stuck on ice in various spots. U.S. 280 has been cleared of all vehicles obstructing the roadway. However, U.S. 280 still has significant ice on the road.
• Bullock County: All county roads, state, and federal highways are deemed impassable.
• Russell County: All county roads, state, and federal highways are deemed impassable.
• Chambers County: All county roads, state, and federal highways are deemed impassable.

Exercise extreme caution when driving in winter weather, particularly on icy surfaces, warned Lt. Jeremy Burkett, an ALEA spokesperson. Alabama State Troopers will continue to observe roadway conditions and provide updates as necessary, he added.

Reach out to Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.