Preparing For A Potential Weekend Winter Weather Event In West Alabama
In case you missed it, Winter Weather Preparedness Week for Alabama was in November. Because of our infrequent dealings with winter storms, Alabamians tend to overlook preparedness for sleet, snow or ice until an event is upon us. So, with the help of the National Weather Service in Birmingham and the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency let's review how to get ready for winter weather in West Alabama, whether this weekend or anytime.
Often the buildup is worse than the bite of bitter cold. That is because it is so difficult to pin down a winter storm in the south. Several weather conditions have to come into play at the same time to create snow, sleet, or ice and not just a very cold rain.
"First, you need cold air (below freezing near the ground), moisture (often from the Gulf of Mexico), and a lifting mechanism (like a low-pressure system or trough) to bring them together, with specific temperature profiles in the atmosphere determining if it's snow, sleet, or freezing rain.," according to National Weather Service Birmingham Warning's Coordination Meteorologist John DeBlock. A common setup involves a Gulf Coast low-pressure system pulling moisture into a deep layer of southward-plunging cold air, especially in northern Alabama where the cold is most persistent.
Computer models today are coming into better agreement that those factors may be in play Saturday into Sunday. But we are still 24 to 48 hours ahead of getting a more definitive answer to what type and how much wintry precipitation there might be. Yet that should not stop our preparedness activities.
Be Prepared
"Make sure you are taking adequate precautions to protect pets, people, plants and your home," cautions Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley. "Cover your outdoor faucets and when temperatures fall below freezing make sure you open sink cabinet doors and drip faucets to protect pipes"
Lolley also pointed out that the Compassion Coalition has been keeping their warming station open during the recent overnight sub-freezing weather and will do so through tomorrow. They are looking for a church or two in the area that are willing to step forward and provide a place for people to stay when temperatures fall below freezing Thursday through Monday. "Any church interested in providing space can call 205-349-0150."
The coalition is also in need of new twin blankets for the Compassion Coalition Warming Station. Donations can be dropped off at a trailer in front of the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Operations Center (7400 Richard M Pierce Pkwy, Northport) during 8am to 5pm business hours or after hours by calling the number above.
Extreme Cold Requires Proper Precautions
Wind Chills can be especially dangerous because the combination of wind and low temperatures rapidly strips heat from the body, dramatically increasing the risk of severe health issues like frostbite (freezing of skin and tissue, potentially in minutes) and hypothermia (dangerously low core body temperature).
Family preparedness means having a plan in case of extended power outages or impassible roads. Assemble a winter weather kit with essentials (water, food, blankets, first aid, chargers), stay informed via alerts (NOAA radio, Tuscaloosa Thread app, or subscribe to the TuscALERT Community Warning system), move family into one room for easier heating (preferably interior), have a backup heat source, and also prepare cars with warm clothes, chargers, and emergency tools .Also, don't drive on slippery roads (especially if there is a black ice threat) or use a stove for backup heating.
There are four important things to remember: 1. If you and/or your children must go outside, make sure everyone is dressed properly. 2. Check on the elderly to make sure they have adequate heating, 3. If your alternate heat source is a space heater, make sure you follow all safety precautions, 4. Protect your pets.
Fortunately, significant winter weather doesn't last long in the south, but it is still important to be prepared for weather you are not used to.
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