Dangerously Cold Arctic Air Mass Headed to Alabama

Right now, Punxsutawney Phil is laughing at us because we didn’t believe him on Groundhog Day when he saw his shadow signaling six more weeks of winter weather.

Wednesday Outlook

A wintry mix is expected to impact areas near and north of U.S. 278 early Wednesday morning. Light snow and ice accumulations could lead to travel impacts.

The Winter Weather Advisory impacts some West Alabama counties like Fayette, Lamar, and Walker.

Click here to read more about the Winter Weather Advisory.

Closer to West Alabama, “Places like Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Anniston and points south will see light rain with temperatures above freezing,” said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist. “The rain will clear Southeast Alabama by late morning, and the afternoon will be dry.”

Thursday through Friday Overview

Behind this weather system, a dangerously cold Arctic air mass will move into the region Wednesday night through Friday morning. This includes all the Townsquare Media Coverage Area counties in West Alabama.

Click here to read more about the Cold Weather Advisory.

Dangerously Cold Arctic Air Mass

The Townsquare Media Weather Center encourages you to be prepared for the cold arctic air mass. For Thursday and Friday morning, residents can expect “morning low temperatures of 15-25 degrees with wind chill values of 5 to 15 degrees,” according to the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Threats

Exposure to these temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia if skin is left unprotected.

Prolonged subfreezing conditions may also result in burst pipes.

Safety Tips from NWS

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Check on older family, friends, and neighbors frequently. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Pipes should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly to prevent freezing and bursting.