Wind Chill Warnings and Advisories In Effect Across Alabama Through Saturday
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a wind chill warning and advisory for Central Alabama, including parts of West Alabama, which will remain in effect until Saturday.
According to the NWS in Birmingham, as of 7 a.m. Thursday morning, the arctic front was located across northeastern Oklahoma and Central Missouri, moving quickly southeastward.
The front is expected to move into northwest Alabama as early as Thursday evening, with temperatures expected to fall into the teens as early as midnight across far northwest counties in Central Alabama.
James Spann, Chief Meteorologist for ABC 33/40 and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said the arctic front is expected to reach Tuscaloosa between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Spann states some scattered light rain is possible ahead of the front, with the possibility of snow flurries or light snow showers immediately behind the front. No meaningful accumulation is expected in Alabama.
Notes from the National Weather Service
What:
- Extended period of very cold conditions.
- Near freezing to subfreezing daytime temperatures with overnight lows in the single digits above zero to teens.
- Wind chills as low as 0 to -10.
- Brief wintry mix possible.
- Very cold temperatures: All of Central Alabama.
- Very low wind chills: All of Central Alabama.
- Wintry mix: Northern portion of Central Alabama.
- Very cold temperatures: Tonight through Sunday morning.
- Very low wind chills: Tonight through Saturday morning.
- Wintry mix: Tonight (6pm to midnight).
- Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills will result in hypothermia and frostbite or become life-threatening for people with prolonged exposure or without adequate warmth.
- Pets or other animals that are not cold-hardy and without sufficient shelter could succumb to the very cold conditions.
- Exposed pipes that are not insulated or drained could burst.
- Slippery roadways could result from a brief wintry mix.
Mayor Walt Maddox said on Facebook the city of Tuscaloosa is preparing for low temperatures by providing resources to people in need through warming stations and other resources for weather-related issues.
Those in need of warming station information can call the Tuscaloosa Police Department's non-emergency line at 205-349-2121 or the Tuscaloosa County EMA at 205-349-0150.
Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread and the Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa radio stations, Praise 93.3, 92.9 WTUG, 95.3 The Bear, METV 97.5, Catfish 100.1, Tide 100.9, ALT 101.7, and 105.1 The Block for continual weather-related coverage.