Forecasters say parts of Alabama could have more than a foot of snow on the ground by the time the wintry precipitation ends.
A winter storm warning covers nearly the entire northern half of the state. Many schools and businesses are closed or opening late Wednesday.
The National Weather Service says Tuesday's snow and ice totals ranged from a trace north of Birmingham to 6 inches in Alabama's northeastern corner.
The weather service says the areas that got the most snow could receive another 8 inches by Thursday. And Birmingham and Huntsville could both be coated with snow and ice before the precipitation ends.
Before dawn Wednesday, fire and rescue officials reported ice accumulating on vehicles and elevated surfaces in Marion County.
The governor has issued a state of emergency.
