cold weather safety

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.

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.

As temperatures are expected to fall below freezing in Alabama, the City of Birmingham and Jimmie Hale Mission will open its nightly warming station Monday through Thursday. Those needing warm shelter can come to the mission on 3420 2nd Ave North. Food will be provided.

Alabamians are once again being told to brace for frigid temperatures and extreme frost across the state. Local meteorologists remind residents to continue to practice cold weather safety. The National Weather Service is issuing a cold weather advisory from midnight to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, with a widespread hard freeze in the forecast.

Wet winter weather is lingering in Alabama. Local meteorologists say to expect light rain Wednesday night and early Thursday. Then, another round of arctic air will be present, with Friday expected to be the coldest morning of the week.

Alabama is getting a blast of cold, dry air this week, with some cities in the state opening up warming stations in the evenings and overnight. The National Weather Service is issuing a freeze warning for parts of Alabama and reminding about cold weather safety.

Chillier weather is moving into Alabama. With the temperatures dropping, some residents are turning to space heaters to keep warm. The devices can provide extra warmth in a drafty room or chilly home office, but they can also pose a safety risk no matter where they are used. Experts are now reminding of safety when using space heaters this winter.

If it's too cold for you, it may be too cold for your pet - but how do you keep your pet safe as the temperatures drop?

Temperatures are dropping in Alabama, and people are looking to stay warm. Safety experts are now warning that home fires involving heating equipment are most common during the cold weather months. More than 1,000 fires happen each year due to space heaters according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.