Winter Storm Set to Bring Alabama Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain

Dubbed “Winter Storm Cora” by The Weather Channel is set to shift into Alabama from the west after midnight, bringing a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Also, raising concerns for travel conditions as well.

Get our free mobile app

Please keep in mind that minor shifts in temperatures near the ground and above the surface, combined with the precipitation's intensity, will significantly influence the type of precipitation, accumulation levels, and the resulting impacts.

Our friend James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said it best, “With any winter situation like this in the southern U.S., always be ready for a surprise.”

Winter Weather Outlook for West Alabama

Timing

Bibb: Midnight to 9 a.m.

Fayette: 2 a.m. to Noon

Greene: Midnight to 9 a.m. for a portion of the county

Hale: Midnight to 9 a.m. for a portion of the county

Lamar: 2 a.m. to Noon

Perry: Midnight to 9 a.m. for a portion of the county

Pickens: Most of the county between Midnight and 9 a.m. However, a tiny section in the far northeastern corner of the county starts at 2 a.m.

Sumter: Midnight to 9 a.m. for a portion of the county

Tuscaloosa: This county is split between Midnight – 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. – Noon.

Walker: 2 a.m. to Noon

Get our free mobile app

Risk Areas

Bibb: Limited Area: Use caution while driving.

Fayette: A portion of the county is under Elevated Area: Use caution while driving while the north sector is under Significant Area: Avoid travel if possible.

Greene: A portion of the county is under Limited Area: Use caution while driving.

Hale: A portion of the county is under Limited Area: Use caution while driving.

Lamar: A portion of the county is under Elevated Area: Use caution while driving while the north sector is under Significant Area: Avoid travel if possible.

Perry: A portion of the county is under Limited Area: Use caution while driving.

Pickens: A portion of the county is under Elevated Area: Use caution while driving while another portion is under Limited Area: Use caution while driving.

Sumter: A portion of the county is under Limited Area: Use caution while driving.

Tuscaloosa: A portion of the county is under Elevated Area: Use caution while driving while another portion is under Limited Area: Use caution while driving.

Walker: Most of this county is under Significant Area: Avoid travel if possible.

Essential Highlights from James Spann

A “wintry mix” will move into Alabama after midnight tonight. Bridge icing could begin as early as 3-4 a.m. over the western counties, then spreading eastward quickly in the 4-6 a.m. time frame.

Most will see more sleet and freezing rain than snow tomorrow morning. A higher chance of snow accumulation over one inch is along and north of U.S. 278 (Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden)

The “wintry mix” will change to a simple, cold rain for many of you by mid-to-late morning as temperatures rise into the mid-30s. Freezing rain, sleet, and snow could linger into the early afternoon hours over Northeast Alabama.

The Townsquare Media Weather Center will provide necessary updates.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster