Birmingham, Alabama – Alabama remains under a heightened winter weather outlook as lingering cold air across the Southeast keeps the risk for additional snow and ice events elevated through mid-February, following one of the most expansive winter storms to affect the region in years.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across Alabama are expected to remain below normal for an extended stretch. With cold air holding firm, any storm system moving through the Deep South could produce snow, sleet, or freezing rain, particularly during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures dip below freezing.
The concern follows Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that swept from Texas to Maine and impacted more than two dozen states. Fern brought disruptive winter weather into Alabama, with accumulating snow and ice reported across northern and central counties. Travel conditions deteriorated along Interstates 20, 22, 59, and 65, while school closures and delays were reported as roads became slick and visibility dropped.
As cold conditions linger, communities from Birmingham and Huntsville to Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, and the Tennessee Valley could face renewed impacts if similarly strong systems develop. Alabama Department of Transportation officials warn that bridges and overpasses are especially vulnerable to icing during prolonged cold spells, increasing the risk for crashes during early morning travel.
Emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare now by insulating exposed pipes, checking heating systems, and keeping emergency supplies on hand. Drivers are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel during wintry conditions and to monitor local alerts closely.
While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the broader pattern supports continued winter risks. Additional advisories and alerts may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the potential for snow or ice remaining a concern across Alabama through mid-February.
