More than half of Alabama’s 67 counties are under a state of emergency today due to predicted severe winter weather.

Gov. Kay Ivey cited the threat of ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain and sustained below-freezing temperatures in her proclamation declaring a state of emergency. She called on people to stay off the roads in the affected areas if possible and to make appropriate preparations today.

Ivey named 37 counties in a state of emergency: Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee , Limestone, Macon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.

See also:

Is snow falling on Alabama? Everything you need to know about Friday’s winter storm threat

School closures in Alabama due to snow and winter storm threat on January 9th and 10th, 2025

“Alabama continued to experience cold temperatures this week and we expect winter weather to potentially impact our state, particularly our driving conditions,” Ivey said. “As we all know, winter weather in a state like Alabama is challenging due to forecast uncertainties.

“However, I encourage Alabam residents to take all necessary preparations today, and if you are in an affected area and do not need to be out and about, try to avoid doing so. Keep an eye on your local weather forecasts and stay informed.”

The state of emergency comes into force today at 1 p.m. The declaration means that a state law against price gouging will come into force in the emergency areas. The law prohibits unreasonable prices for the sale or rental of goods or rental properties.

Alabama law provides that a state of emergency typically lasts 60 days, but may be terminated sooner by a written proclamation.

A winter storm warning goes into effect at midnight for all of northern Alabama.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for central Alabama, just south of the Interstate 20 corridor. It will take effect at midnight.

Forecasters said temperatures in warning and advisory areas will be at or just below freezing and that there will be difficult travel conditions for Friday morning commutes, particularly in north and north central Alabama.