COLD, DRY UNTIL TOMORROW: Cold air will remain in place in the Deep South through the weekend; Today and tomorrow will be dry, with high temperatures in the 37 to 43 degree range in most locations.

WINTER STORM WATCH: A winter storm watch has been issued for Friday for approximately the northern third of Alabama…for locations as far south as Millport, Birmingham, Sylacauga and Roanoke.

Here are the key messages for Friday’s winter storm…

*A mix of snow, sleet and some freezing rain will move into western and northern Alabama very early Friday morning; In most places it starts between 3:00 and 6:00. A cold rain begins over southern Alabama.

*As precipitation begins, evaporative cooling will likely reduce temperatures to 25 to 30 degrees in the northern half of the state, where icy/dangerous road issues are likely. Winter precipitation is possible as far south as central Alabama, possibly as far south as Greensboro, Montgomery and Phenix City (these locations may experience a brief period of freezing rain).

*During the day, the process of warm air advection is likely responsible for turning snow and freezing rain into cold rain across central Alabama. For example, in the Birmingham metro on Friday afternoon it was expected to be snowing or freezing rain in the morning, with temperatures rising up to 30°C. However, areas along and north of US 278 (Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden) will likely only see snow during the event.

*Snow amounts of 4 to 6 inches are now forecast for the Tennessee Valley of northern Alabama. Totals of 2 to 3 inches are predicted for places like Anniston and Gadsden in northeast Alabama. About 1 to 2 inches for Birmingham…Tuscaloosa could see about an inch. Some freezing rain could cause icy bridges up to the I-85 corridor for a short period of time Friday morning.

*Road conditions throughout the Tennessee Valley could remain very icy through Saturday, but areas to the south are expected to improve by Saturday afternoon.

*Please understand that at no time do I have any information about future road conditions in any particular location. Information about road conditions during the event can be found on the ALGO traffic pages.

*A few persistent thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, but the weekend will remain dry. Where there is still snow (mainly in the Tennessee Valley), temperatures could fall to 10 to 15 degrees early Sunday morning under clear skies and light winds.

*Please understand that it is not easy to predict the future, especially when it comes to winter storms in Alabama. Note that this forecast is subject to change by Friday.

Next week looks mostly dry, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s; The next storm system is expected to bring rain (not snow) toward the end of the week. Maps, graphics and further details can be found in the video briefing.

ON THIS DATE IN 1973: Georgia’s worst ice storm since 1935 occurred on the 7th-8th. Freezing rain and sleet began in the early morning hours on Sunday the 7th and ended in most areas on Monday. Total damage was estimated at well over $25 million. The electric utilities suffered losses estimated at $5 million, and the telephone companies suffered another $2 million in damages. Some schools were closed for more than a week.

The next video briefing can be found here by this afternoon at 3:00 p.m….enjoy the day!

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