cold weather protection

The City of Birmingham and the Jimmie Hale Mission are extending overnight shelter services in the wake of the extreme cold. The warming station hours at 1569 Cooper Hill Road will be offered through 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. Donations are also needed to help protect attendees from the weather.

Alabama schools, cities and towns are shutting down in anticipation of freezing rain, ice and snow in the forecast. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports the winter weather will impact the northern and central portions of Central Alabama late Thursday night through Friday evening.

With winter weather in the forecast for Alabama, Huntsville Animal Services is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to ensure their pets stay safe and comfortable. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports freezing rain, ice and snow are predicted along with extreme arctic air.

Cities, towns and residents are gearing up in anticipation of freezing rain, ice and snow forecast for Alabama, the bulk of which is predicted for Thursday night through Friday evening and into Saturday morning. As icy temperatures and arctic air continue to hit the state, warming stations are keeping their doors open, as they have all week.

The Alabama National Guard has been activated for the anticipated wintry weather, which is expected to bring ice and snow to much of the Yellowhammer State. The Guard will be operating Mobility Support Teams across north and central part of the state. That's in addition to assisting the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

A federal utility corporation that is the largest public power supplier in the country is working to keep the heat on in Alabama this winter through equipment upgrades and more. The Tennessee Valley Authority provides electricity to 153 local power companies in seven states, including the Yellowhammer State.

A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for the northern third of Alabama as forecasters say conditions are increasing for possible snow and ice. In preparation for the incoming inclement weather, the Alabama Department of Transportation is ramping up its preparation efforts on roadways and bridges.

As icy temperatures and arctic air continue to hit Alabama, warming stations are keeping their doors open to help shelter residence from the cold. Stations are open in Mobile, Birmingham and Huntsville. That's also the case for Tuscaloosa, where the county's Emergency Management Agency is asking for donations to help those in need.

Snowfall is looking more likely for Alabama this week. The National Weather Service said conditions continue to be favorable for the probability of winter precipitation affecting the northern half of the state. This is the prediction for Thursday into Friday.

As temperatures are dropping across Alabama this week, Huntsville has been preparing for extreme cold and potential winter weather. Warming centers will be available across the city with free rides being provided. The Public Works Department, Huntsville Police and the Emergency Operations Center will monitor icy road conditions.