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Alabama governor declares state of emergency ahead of winter storm

A pick-up truck is abandoned along the median of I-565 near Jordan Lane as a winter storm moved across the Tennessee Valley and snow mixed with freezing rain and sleet combined to turn the roads into an icy mess Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 in Huntsville, Ala. A pick-up truck is abandoned along the median of I-565 near Jordan Lane as a winter storm moved across the Tennessee Valley and snow mixed with freezing rain and sleet combined to turn the roads into an icy mess Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 in Huntsville, Ala.

By Associated Press February 24, 2015 2 min read

* Tennessee’s winter storm death toll hits 30 * Winter-weary area braces for more snow; up to 6 inches forecast across region * Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam urges people to check on neighbors as storm moves in * Red Cross: Prepare as winter weather rebounds in Metro Atlanta, North Georgia * Gov. Deal declares state of emergency ahead of winter storm

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A winter storm expected to coat much of north Alabama with snow, sleet and freezing rain prompted Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley to declare a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham issued a winter storm warning from 9 a.m. Wednesday to midnight. Areas north of the I-20 corridor were expected to see snowfall Wednesday afternoon and evening, forecasters said. Meteorologists expect between 2 and 4 inches of snow to fall in many areas with higher accumulations in isolated areas.

Officials from the National Weather Service said Wednesday night that precipitation is expected to begin around 10 a.m. in the Tuscaloosa area and move toward Birmingham within the hour. Forecasters expect areas of north Alabama including Birmingham and Gadsden to see more than 4 inches of snow. Between 2 and 4 inches is expected in the Tuscaloosa area with smaller accumulations anticipated southward.

Bentley said in a statement that he’s authorizing 250 Alabama National Guardsmen to prepare to respond to any emergency requests for assistance. Alabama law enforcement agencies have coordinated state resources to respond to stranded drivers, the governor said.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency urged drivers to avoid traveling if possible, and to make sure vehicles are stocked with antifreeze and wiper fluid suitable for near freezing conditions.

Aside from school and university closures throughout the state, the threat of a winter storm also led The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority to cancel bus and paratransit services on Wednesday.

The agency’s Chief of Staff, Barbara Murdock, said in a statement that the move is meant as a safety precaution for employees and passengers.

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