Get ready for the winter storm hitting North Alabama this weekend
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North Alabama — and a huge swath of the Southeast — is bracing for a significant winter storm expected to blow in Friday and last through the weekend.
Why it matters: Get ready to hunker down for a few days.
Catch up quick: At time of writing, the forecast from the National Weather Service shows rain Friday turning into a rain/snow mix, with precipitation chances increasing later in the day.
- Snow and freezing rain, and maybe sleet, are expected early Saturday, followed by rain, snow and freezing rain continuing through Sunday.
What they're saying: "The Tennessee Valley, including Huntsville, is going to see impacts from winter weather," said Katie Magee, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Huntsville office.
- Whether the region will get snow or ice, or both, remains to be seen. Meteorologist James Spann says the storm could bring 3 to 5 inches.
- "The take-home message here is it does not matter," Magee told Axios Huntsville. "It is going to be impactful."
Zoom in: The crucial thing to keep in mind, she said, is that once roads start deteriorating, they won't get better for several days, as temperatures aren't expected to get back above freezing until next week.
- The storm could hit the area Friday afternoon or evening, but certainly overnight Friday and into Saturday, continuing potentially into early Sunday.
- And very cold temperatures will come right behind the storm, with lows in the single-digits and wind chill temperatures potentially below zero.
Threat level: A lot can change, but this storm has the potential for significant ice or snow accumulation followed by very cold temperatures, Magee said.
- A pro tip from Magee: Check out the "Daily Sitrep" on the NWS Huntsville site. It's updated every day.
Get prepared
In preparation for the storm, Magee recommends stocking up on foods that don't require a microwave or an oven, and filling a tub with water in case the pipes freeze.
- Spann also offered some preparation tips on Facebook, including charging devices and backup battery packs, getting flashlights ready, stocking several days' worth of food and fueling vehicles ahead of time.
- Magee encouraged folks to stay off the road if possible, but said those who must drive should use tire chains or sprinkle kitty litter under tires for traction.
- And make sure the vehicle is stocked with food, water and warm clothes and blankets.
Case in point: Check out the full winter weather prep guide from NWS here.
The bottom line: "Wherever you are Friday night is where you'll be till Tuesday, probably," Magee said.