Alabama Declares State of Emergency in 37 Counties Amid Severe Winter Weather Threat
Alabama is bracing for a significant winter weather event as Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency in 37 of the state’s 67 counties. The declaration, effective at 1 p.m. today, comes in response to forecasts predicting ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures.The affected counties span much of northern and central Alabama, including major areas like Jefferson County (Birmingham), Madison county (huntsville), and Tuscaloosa County.
“Cold temperatures have persisted in Alabama this week, and we are anticipating the potential for winter weather to impact our state, especially our driving conditions,” Ivey said. She emphasized the challenges of forecasting winter weather in Alabama, urging residents to stay off the roads if possible and to prepare for the storm.
Key details of the State of Emergency
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The state of emergency covers 37 counties: 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.
| Key Details | Details |
|———————-|————-|
| Effective Date | January 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. |
| Duration | Up to 60 days, unless terminated earlier |
| Price-Gouging Law | takes effect instantly in emergency areas |
| Winter Storm Warning | North alabama, effective at midnight |
| Winter Weather Advisory | Central Alabama, effective at midnight |
The declaration also activates Alabama’s price-gouging law, which prohibits businesses from charging “unconscionable prices” for essential goods and services during the emergency.
Weather Forecast and Travel Warnings
A winter storm warning will take effect at midnight for all of north Alabama, while a winter weather advisory has been issued for central Alabama, particularly south of the Interstate 20 corridor. Forecasters warn that temperatures will hover at or just below freezing, creating hazardous travel conditions, especially during Friday morning’s commute.
“If you are in an impacted area and do not have to be on the road, try to avoid it,” Ivey advised. “Keep an eye on your local forecasts and stay weather aware.”
School Closures and Preparations
in anticipation of the storm,several schools across the state have announced closures for January 9th and 10th. Residents are encouraged to stock up on essentials, ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, and monitor updates from local authorities.
For more information on the storm’s impact, including school closures and safety tips, visit Snow falling on Alabama? Everything you need to know for Friday’s winter storm threat and Alabama school closings due to snow, winter storm threat Jan. 9th and 10th, 2025.
As Alabama prepares for this winter weather event,residents are reminded to prioritize safety and stay informed through official channels.
Winter Storm preparedness in Alabama: Expert Insights on the state of Emergency and Safety Measures
As Alabama faces a severe winter weather threat, Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency in 37 counties,including major areas like Jefferson,Madison,and Tuscaloosa. With forecasts predicting ice, snow, sleet, and freezing rain, residents are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions. To shed light on the situation, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a meteorologist and winter weather preparedness expert, to discuss the implications of the state of emergency, travel risks, and how Alabamians can stay safe during this unprecedented event.
The State of Emergency: What it Means for Alabama
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.Can you explain the significance of Gov. Ivey’s state of emergency declaration and what it means for residents in the affected counties?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. A state of emergency is a critical step that allows the state to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently. In this case, it covers 37 counties, primarily in northern and central Alabama, where the winter storm is expected to hit hardest. The declaration activates emergency protocols, including the price-gouging law, which prevents businesses from exploiting residents by charging exorbitant prices for essentials like food, fuel, and shelter. It also ensures that state agencies, like the national Guard and emergency management teams, are ready to respond to any crises that arise.
Senior Editor: How does this compare to previous winter weather events in Alabama?
Dr. Emily Carter: alabama isn’t typically known for severe winter weather, which makes this event especially challenging. The combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is rare here, and many residents aren’t accustomed to driving or preparing for such conditions. The prolonged sub-freezing temperatures also increase the risk of power outages and frozen pipes, which can compound the challenges.
Weather Forecast and Travel Risks
Senior Editor: The forecast predicts hazardous travel conditions, especially south of the Interstate 20 corridor. What should residents know about the risks of driving during this storm?
Dr. Emily Carter: Traveling during this storm could be extremely risky. Temperatures are expected to hover at or just below freezing, which means roads could quickly become icy, especially bridges and overpasses. The winter storm warning for north Alabama and the winter weather advisory for central Alabama highlight the potential for black ice and reduced visibility. If you don’t absolutely need to be on the road,it’s best to stay home. For those who must travel, I recommend checking road conditions frequently, driving slowly, and keeping an emergency kit in yoru vehicle with essentials like blankets, water, and a flashlight.
Senior Editor: What about the timing of the storm? How will it impact friday morning’s commute?
Dr. Emily Carter: The timing is particularly concerning. The storm is expected to intensify overnight, meaning that Friday morning’s commute could coincide with the worst conditions. I strongly advise employers to consider remote work options and for schools to remain closed, as we’ve already seen many districts announce closures for January 9th and 10th.
School Closures and Community Preparedness
Senior Editor: Speaking of school closures, how crucial is it for families to prepare for extended disruptions?
Dr. Emily Carter: School closures are a necessary precaution to keep children and staff safe. Families should use this time to ensure they’re fully prepared for the storm. That means stocking up on essentials like food, water, and medications, as well as making sure their homes are winter-ready. For example,insulating pipes and ensuring heating systems are functioning properly can prevent costly and dangerous issues later.
Senior Editor: What advice do you have for residents who may not have experienced a winter storm like this before?
Dr.Emily carter: First and foremost, stay informed. Follow updates from local authorities and trusted weather sources. If you’re unsure about how to prepare, there are plenty of resources available online, including checklists for winter storm preparedness. Additionally, check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility, to ensure they’re safe and have what they need.Community support is crucial during events like this.
Final Thoughts and Safety Reminders
Senior Editor: Any final thoughts or safety tips for our readers as they prepare for this winter storm?
Dr. Emily Carter: The key is to prioritize safety and stay proactive. Avoid unnecessary travel,keep your devices charged in case of power outages,and have a plan in place for emergencies. remember, it’s better to overprepare then to be caught off guard. Alabama may not see winter storms frequently enough, but when they do occur, they can be severe.Stay weather-aware, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your invaluable insights.Stay safe, everyone, and let’s all do our part to weather this storm together.
For more information on the storm’s impact, including school closures and safety tips, visit Snow falling on Alabama? Everything you need to know for Friday’s winter storm threat and Alabama school closings due to snow, winter storm threat Jan. 9th and 10th, 2025.
