West Alabama Thursday Briefing

Good morning West Alabama! It is Thursday, January 9, 2025. It is the ninth day of the year with 356 remaining in the year.

Thursday Morning Observations:

Folks up north like to make fun of southerners because we don't particularly handle winter weather well, especially when the potential for snow and ice are in the forecast. Of course, I contend they don't do all that well during summer heat waves.

But they do have a point, a forecast for a dusting of snow sends many Alabama natives into a frenzy. Grocery stores are packed with customers stripping the shelves of milk and bread. But while milk and bread are fine, I'd rather stock up on candy, cake, steak and chili.

As is the case so often, West Alabama is right on the dividing line of measurable snow and sleet or potentially nothing much and Tuscaloosa/Northport seems to be the new southern boundary between elevated and limited impacts late tonight into tomorrow morning.

The revised forecast places northern Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties in an area of Elevated Impact, along with southern Lamar, Fayette and Pickens counties. That means hazardous driving conditions might require extra driving precautions. Closures and disruption of infrastructure are possible.

From Tuscaloosa, south to Demopolis there will be limited impacts. That doesn't mean there will not be some slick spots on roadways, especially bridges, overpasses and elevated roads.

The most significant impacts will be from northern Lamar, Fayette and Walker counties up to the Tennessee Valley. That is where dangerous or impossible driving conditions will be probable. Travel is to be avoided and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure are expected up there.

The good news is this will all be gone for us by Friday afternoon when a cold rain is in the forecast for Tuscaloosa/Northport.

Bottom line is to use common sense in taking safety precautions, slow down driving, monitor fires in fireplaces closely, bring pets inside, cover pipes, don't use gas generators indoors, check on elderly and wear layered clothing.

Oh yeah, enjoy your bread and milk!

Stay tuned to Operation Storm Watch on all Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Radio Stations.

(Opinions expressed in Morning Briefing are those of the author and not necessarily those of the ownership, management, staff or sponsors of Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa.)

Weather:

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY will be in effect tonight through late Friday night for Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Bibb counties in West Alabama

A WINTER STORM WARNING will be in effect tonight through late Friday night in Lamar, Fayette, Walker and counties northward.

The winter storm warning is in effect from midnight (12 AM Friday) tonight through 6 AM on Saturday. The winter weather advisory begins at the same time tonight but expires earlier at 3 pm on Friday.

The Forecast:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 45. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow before midnight, then rain, snow, and sleet. Low around 31. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday

Rain, snow and freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet, becoming all rain after 9am. High near 37. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

The Weekend

Partly clear skies with highs from 39 Saturday to 48 Sunday. Lows will be in the low 20s Saturday night to upper 20s Sunday night.

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Topping the News:

West Alabama Preparing for Winter Weather Event

Winter weather is the news from now into the weekend. Travel hazards are possible from Tuscaloosa and Carrollton northward as winter precipitation moves in overnight tonight into Friday morning. Snow along with freezing rain could result in ice accumulations on roads, bridges, overpasses and elevated roadways.

ALDOT began pre-treating major roadways yesterday and will continue through today. Crews will then monitor for deteriorating roads conditions once the winter weather event moves in.

West Alabama ALDOT District spokesman John D. McWilliams tells us they have priorities such as roads to hospitals, then interstate highways and then roads by traffic volume.

Extreme Cold Creates Health Issues

Hypothermia is already the suspected cause of three deaths in Jefferson County and with wind chills into the 20s and single digits the health risk will continue tonight and tomorrow.

Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops below 95°F, and it can be life-threatening if not treated. This occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce, usually from being out in the cold for too long.

“You think about underlying risk factors for individuals who may have difficulty with cold exposure, those would be things like younger children, older adults,” explained Dr. Wes Stubblefield with the Alabama Department of Public Health.

One of the biggest threats during the winter isn’t an illness—it’s hypothermia.

Winter Storm Impacts BSI Flight Schedule

Birmingham Shuttlesworth International has experienced a significant number of cancellations, delays and reschooling of flights as a result of the major winter storm in the eastern U.S.

At least 5 flights out of Birmingham Shuttlesworth this morning were cancelled or rescheduled. 17 arriving flights have been cancelled or had their schedule revised.

Travelers are advised to contact their airline for flight information.

Bald Eagle Killed in North Alabama

Bald Eagles are a protected species. President Biden recently signed legislation designating the majestic predator as our national bird. That has not stopped some human predators from killing the endangered bird.

According to a press release from the Center for Biological Diversity, someone in northern Alabama shot and killed a bald eagle recently.

Read More: 15K Reward Offered For Dead Bird Found In Alabama

Englewood Mentoring Program

The Englewood Leaders of Tomorrow (ELOT) is based at Englewood Elementary School and aims to empower 3rd-5th grade boys at Englewood Elementary School by fostering leadership skills, building confidence, and meeting their developmental needs. Through initiatives like Dress for Success and community partnerships, the program aims to prepare young boys to become future leaders who contribute positively to their community.

Read More: Tuscaloosa Mentoring Program Is Helping Young Boys Build Futures

Warming Station Donations Still Needed

The Compassion Coalition has a warming station open in Tuscaloosa. You can call 205-710-6766 for information. More than 20 people are currently being housed from the extreme cold.

Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley says the coalition still needs donations of gloves, twin size blankets, non-perishable food items and travel pillows. He says you can drop donations off at the county emergency operations center at 7400 Richard M. Pierce Pkwy. In Northport until 4:30 this afternoon. Any afterhours donations can be dropped in bins at the front door after 4:30pm.

Closures

Some area organizations are being proactive about concerns for hazardous driving conditions in the morning. Greene County Schools will revert to virtual learning Friday with no after school activities, the Jasper Veterans Clinic will be closed tomorrow as will the University of Montevallo.

Walker County Schools Hacked

Walker County Schools is one of several school systems in the state that have been hit with a data breech. State school superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey says the breech compromised credential granting and did not impact personal information.

No Mail Today

The United States Postal Service will not be delivering mail today to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter.

President Joe Biden declared today as a National Day of Mourning. Carter's National Service is currently being held at the Washington National Cathedral.

Topping Sports News:

Former Alabama Player Accused of Assault but Not Charged

Per the Cincinnati Enquirer, former Alabama wide receiver and current Cincinnati Bengal Jermaine Burton is accused of assaulting a woman he had been dating; she opted not to press charges.

The assault was reported on the morning of December 30, nearly a week before the Bengals Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Read More: Former Alabama WR Accused of Assault

Alabama Men 2-and-0 on SEC Season

The Alabama Men's basketball team beat South Carolina for the 10th straight time last night in Columbia. The Tide kept a comfortable lead most of the game, eventually winning 88-68.

It was a big night for Bama (13-2, 2-0 SEC) star Mark Sears who finished with game highs of 22 points and six assists.

South Carolina is now 10-5 overall and 0-2 in the SEC.

Bama remains on the road with a key test Saturday night in College Station, TX when they take on an outstanding Texas A&M team. The Aggies came from behind on the road last night to edge Oklahoma.

College Football Playoff Semi-Finals Begin Tonight

The Orange Bowl hosts tonight’s CFP Semi-Final game between Penn State and Notre Dame. Kickoff in 6:30 Central Time.

Texas and Ohio State square off in the other semi-final game tomorrow night in the Cotton Bowl at Arlington TX. Kickoff is 6:30 Central Time.

Click TuscaloosaThread.com for the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather. Better yet, download the app.

Stay warm and safe. Don't forget to take care of your pets and cover your pipes.

Source: West Alabama Thursday Briefing

Categories: News, Local News