Weather
Alabama Winter Weather Awareness Week: Prepare for Winter Storms Oct 25-31
Birmingham, AL – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Alabama residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? Although blizzards are extrem
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-25T17:32:40.079Z
Birmingham, AL – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Alabama residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? Although blizzards are extremely rare in Alabama, understanding the warning signs can help families prepare for dangerous winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , a blizzard occurs when sustained winds or frequent gusts reach at least 35 mph, accompanied by falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to one quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
Heavy snowfall isn't necessarily required. Powerful winds can lift snow already on the ground, creating dangerous whiteouts even after snowfall stops.
What's the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning? A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible, giving residents time to prepare.
A Winter Storm Warning means dangerous winter conditions are expected or already occurring.
A Blizzard Warning indicates blizzard conditions are expected or underway. Travel can become extremely dangerous as visibility drops and roads become difficult to navigate.
What Should Alabama Residents Have Ready? Before winter weather arrives, households should prepare emergency supplies, including:
Food and water: At least three days of nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person daily. Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags, winter clothing and safe backup heating options. Emergency supplies: Flashlights, batteries, medications, first aid kits and charged power banks. Vehicles: A full tank of gas, blankets, jumper cables, an ice scraper and emergency supplies. Snow removal: Shovels, ice melt, rock salt and traction materials. Never operate generators, outdoor grills or other fuel burning outdoor equipment indoors or inside garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Alabama From Birmingham and Jefferson County to Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa and Mobile, winter storms can create hazardous conditions across Alabama.
Although blizzards are exceptionally uncommon, northern Alabama communities near Huntsville, Florence and the Appalachian foothills can experience snowfall, freezing rain and icy roads.
Across central and southern Alabama, freezing rain and ice can pose greater winter threats, disrupting travel along Interstate 65, Interstate 20, Interstate 59 and Interstate 85.
Even small amounts of ice can make bridges and overpasses dangerous, while fallen trees and power outages may leave households without heat.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency plans, check supplies and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: A blizzard is defined by wind, visibility and duration — not snowfall totals.