Weather
Alabama Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Snow Squall Danger
Montgomery, AL – Alabama drivers can encounter dangerous highway conditions when rare bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds or freezing precipitation suddenly reduce visibility and make roadways slippery.
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-28T09:43:13.443Z
Montgomery, AL – Alabama drivers can encounter dangerous highway conditions when rare bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds or freezing precipitation suddenly reduce visibility and make roadways slippery. As winter weather preparedness messaging continues Wednesday, Oct. 28, residents are being reminded that even brief winter weather events can create serious travel hazards.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , snow squalls are short lived, intense bursts of snowfall accompanied by strong winds and rapidly deteriorating visibility. Although uncommon in Alabama, sudden snowfall and freezing conditions can increase the risk of crashes.
How Winter Weather Threatens Alabama Highways Unlike prolonged winter storms, snow squalls can develop rapidly, leaving drivers little time to respond before visibility drops.
Interstate 65, Interstate 20, Interstate 59, Interstate 22 and Interstate 565 are among Alabama's major travel corridors where winter precipitation could create hazardous driving conditions.
Motorists traveling through Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, DeKalb and Jackson counties may face additional risks on elevated highways, bridges and exposed roadways.
Northern and northeastern Alabama are generally more susceptible to winter precipitation, particularly around Huntsville, Fort Payne and higher elevations near Lookout Mountain.
Freezing rain and black ice are more common winter driving concerns than snow squalls across much of the state.
What Is a Snow Squall Warning? The NWS issues Snow Squall Warnings when dangerous snow squalls are occurring or imminent.
These warnings generally last 30 to 60 minutes and may activate Wireless Emergency Alerts on compatible mobile phones.
Although snow squalls are rare in Alabama, understanding these warnings can help motorists recognize dangerous conditions during unusual winter weather events.
What Alabama Drivers Should Do When a Snow Squall Warning is issued, the safest option is to delay travel until conditions improve .
Motorists already traveling should:
Reduce speed gradually and increase following distance. Turn on headlights to improve visibility. Avoid sudden braking or abrupt lane changes. Watch for icy bridges and overpasses. Exit the highway safely before entering dangerous conditions when possible. Residents can monitor forecasts and official warnings through the NWS Birmingham office , NWS Huntsville office and NWS Mobile office , which serve different portions of Alabama.
Winter weather preparedness messaging continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, as part of this editorial series , emphasizing how quickly unusual winter conditions can create dangerous travel hazards across Alabama.