Jefferson County is not currently included, but counties to the north and east, including St Clair, are under a Winter Storm Warning with the possibility of freezing rain moving in during the early morning hours.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham issued this forecast for the Trussville area.
- Thursday night -A 30 percent chance of rain after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 35. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight.
- Friday– Showers likely, mainly before 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Friday Night– A 30 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 34. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
According to the NWS, the rain should move across the northeast area after 4 a.m. mixing with a cold front which could produce freezing rain or rain that freezes on contact. The Trussville area could see .01 inches of ice with areas northeast of Jefferson County receiving .10 to .15 inches of ice. Friday’s temperatures are expected to rise well above freezing quickly.
As always with winter weather, conditions can change rapidly, so stay up to date on the latest developments by following The Trussville Tribune at www.trussvilletribune.com, on Facebook and on Twitter.
The Alabama State Troopers issued the following travel advisory.
MONTGOMERY – Winter storm forecasts for northern portions of Alabama likely will result in icy roads causing hazardous driving conditions. The Alabama Department of Public Safety and the Alabama Department of Transportation strongly encourage all motorists to drive with extreme caution and to avoid roadways when weather conditions are prohibitive.
ALDOT reminds motorists they can check the conditions of Alabama’s state and federal highways on the
Road Conditions page on the ALDOT Web site at www.dot.state.al.us.
The public may also check ALDOT’s Traffic Information and Cameras page for additional information on traffic delays, construction projects and other highway conditions from the ALDOT Home Page.
ALDOT has made preparations and mobilized personnel and resources across the state to respond to icy bridge/road conditions and other adverse impacts from the winter storm. ALDOT will monitor roadway conditions and will make every attempt to keep highways passable and as safe for travel as possible.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor local news for information on weather conditions and frequently check road conditions and travel advisories. To report traffic crashes or other emergencies to state troopers, motorists with cell phones may dial *HP (*47) toll?free.
If driving becomes necessary, motorists should use caution, be alert for work zones, highway maintenance personnel and emergency vehicles. Motorists are reminded to obey Alabama’s “move over” law.
State Troopers offer the following tips to help ensure safe winter travel:
- Avoid travel, if possible, when icy or other extremely hazardous driving conditions develop.
- Keep vehicles in good operating condition
. Check antifreeze levels and use windshield washer
solution suitable for freezing weather conditions. Keep gas tanks at least half full. - Remember weather and roadway conditions can quickly change. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions, and be alert to changing weather and the possibility of icy, slippery roads.
- During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.
- Pay particular attention to bridges and overpasses, which have a tendency to develop extremely hazardous “black ice”.
- Keep blankets, a first aid kit, a charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.