West Alabama residents can expect the possibility of snow Friday, weather forecasters say.
Richard Scott, meteorologist for WVUA-TV in Tuscaloosa, said in a social media post Wednesday that West Alabama should start preparing now for the wintry weather.
“The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Lamar, Fayette, Walker (counties) and points north in West Alabama. While this does not include Tuscaloosa County, most likely the NWS will issue a winter weather advisory for a row of counties to the south of the current watch,” Scott said.
Winter Weather map from the National Weather Service in Birmingham.
He said a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow will enter West Alabama shortly after midnight Thursday.
“As temperatures rise above freezing Friday morning, the wintry mix will change to rain for most of the area, so any travel impacts should be limited to the morning hours for areas south of Vernon, Fayette and Jasper,” Scott said.
“By the afternoon, travel should be back to normal for areas south of Fayette and Jasper. To the north, near Hamilton and Cullman, travel could be icy into the afternoon hours as well,” he said.
Scott said snow accumulations are unlikely south of a line from Reform to Tuscaloosa to Brent. Snow amounts up to 1 inch will be possible for areas near and north of U.S. Highway 82, including Reform, Tuscaloosa and Brent. Areas north of Vernon, Fayette, Jasper could receive 2 to 3 inches of snow.
More: Winter weather event brings snow and ice into Alabama. Here’s where to expect it.
Jason Holmes, meteorologist with NWS in Birmingham, said the wintry weather will likely affect travel on Friday and could lead to some scattered power outages in West Alabama.
“The primary concern is going to be with travel,” Holmes said.
Holmes said he encourages residents to have a plan in place for the winter weather. Other helpful tips include avoiding travel unless necessary, having a weather radio, stocking up on extra batteries and non-perishable foods and filling up your car’s gas tank.
The high temperature on Friday in Tuscaloosa is expected to be around 37 degrees and the low at night will be around 30 degrees, according to the NWS. Saturday will have sunny skies and high of around 40 degrees and low that night in the low 20s.
Warming stations in Tuscaloosa
The Compassion Coalition will offer a warming station through Jan. 13 in Tuscaloosa County, according to the Tuscaloosa Emergency Management Agency.
Anyone who needs assistance or anyone who knows someone who needs shelter from the cold can call the Compassion Coalition at 205-710-6766 and speak with an operator.
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Freezing rain, snow possible Friday in Tuscaloosa, West Alabama