Winter Storm Watch issued, snow expected across southern Alabama
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This story was originally published Sunday, Jan. 19. Check in with the National Weather Service in Mobile, Birmingham and Huntsville + stay tuned to your local meteorologists for the latest forecasts.
Another burst of arctic air has arrived in Alabama as lows are expected in the teens across the state Sunday night into Monday morning. The wind chill could reach as low as 0 in some spots.
And when this kind of cold arrives, everyone wants to know about the chances of snow. We saw it in the northern half of the state earlier this year but now, the southern half has been put on alert.
Whether you are seeing snow, rain or just a dry, cold day, this week could provide some significant weather impacts. Here’s what you need to know about the latest forecast.
Winter Storm Watch
Currently, an Extreme Cold Warning was in effect Sunday night for several counties from central to southern Alabama. But a Winter Storm Watch has already been issued for the area through Thursday.
That watch includes: Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Chambers, Chilton, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Sumter, and Tallapoosa counties.
Snow is expected to fall and could accumulate up to five inches in some spots for an area that is not used to seeing that much snow. However, whether it’s snow or a wintry mix, you need to stay weather aware.
“We don’t want to overshadow the cold, as some areas may not rise above freezing on Tuesday. Regardless, wind chills will remain near or below freezing, dropping into the teens each night, from tonight through Wednesday.”
~ National Weather Service in Mobile
Here comes the snow
In the furthest south counties, a Winter Storm Warning is expected to be put into place at some point with significant snow on the way.
As the storm gets closer, there is more confidence in this having a major impact on Alabama. Snow is expected to last all day in some areas Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Areas including Mobile, Dothan and Troy could see anywhere between two and four inches of snow.
“Trends have been for a southward shift in the highest snow totals. Locations along and south of the Highway 84 corridor down to the I-10 corridor appear to be the most favorable areas to receive the highest snow totals. Note that even minor accumulations of snow could lead to MAJOR IMPACTS. The snow will begin to fall on Tuesday morning across southeast Mississippi and southwest Alabama and spread east through the day.”
~ National Weather Service of Mobile
According to meteorologist James Spann, central Alabama along I-20 is expected to see light snow but could miss out entirely. Places like Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Anniston might get some snow but it will likely be nothing more than an inch with some spots just getting a light dusting.
The snow is expected to be completely out of the state by Wednesday morning but it will remain cold enough for any snow or ice to remain on the ground. It could impact travel through Thursday.
Make sure to stay tuned to your local meteorologists + weather services for updated models. And if you see any snow this week, post it and tag The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn!
