Birmingham, Alabama — One hundred sixty million Americans are prepared and monitoring a major winter system now shifting into a dangerous ice storm setup, as freezing rain and ice accumulation threaten parts of Alabama and Georgia through Monday, Jan. 26.
For the Deep South, the primary hazard is freezing rain rather than snow. According to the National Weather Service, a shallow layer of Arctic air at the surface combined with warmer air aloft will create conditions favorable for ice accretion, particularly across central and northern Alabama and much of northern and central Georgia.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center places the Alabama–Georgia region within a moderate to high-confidence zone for impactful icing from Friday through Sunday. Ice accumulations of one-quarter inch or more are possible in some areas, with localized higher amounts increasing the risk of downed trees, damaged power lines, and prolonged power outages.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly once freezing rain begins. Major corridors at risk include Interstate 20, Interstate 85, Interstate 59, and Interstate 65. Transportation officials warn that bridges and overpasses may become slick first, and road treatments may be ineffective during sustained freezing rain.
Utility providers across both states are preparing for potential service disruptions as ice builds on infrastructure. Emergency managers are urging residents to complete preparations immediately, including charging electronic devices, securing alternative heat sources, and avoiding unnecessary travel once icing develops.
Motorists are strongly advised to stay off roads during freezing rain events, as even thin ice can lead to severe crashes and strand vehicles. Emergency response times may be delayed if roadways become impassable.
Behind the storm, Arctic air is expected to deepen across Alabama and Georgia, keeping temperatures below freezing and preventing ice from melting. Wind chills may drop into the teens, extending hazardous conditions even after precipitation ends.
While a possible pattern shift may occur between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1, forecasters caution that much of the Midwest and East Coast will remain locked in a deep Arctic freeze into early February, prolonging ice-related impacts across the Southeast.
