Florence, Alabama – Travel across northwest Alabama could become nearly impossible this weekend as a dangerous ice storm moves into the region, threatening widespread power outages, downed trees, and long-lasting impacts through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, an Ice Storm Warning is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday evening for Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin counties. Ice accumulations between one-quarter inch and one inch are expected, along with up to an inch of snow and sleet. These amounts are more than enough to cripple travel and cause extensive damage to trees and power lines across the Shoals region.
Freezing rain is expected to develop after midnight Friday night and continue through Sunday, steadily coating roads, bridges, and overpasses. Areas including Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Russellville, and Red Bay are likely to see rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Even treated surfaces may become impassable as ice thickens, especially overnight and early Sunday.
The weight of ice on trees and power lines could lead to widespread and long-lasting power outages. With significantly colder air expected to follow the storm, any extended loss of electricity could create dangerous indoor conditions.
Emergency officials urge residents to complete preparations early, restrict travel to emergencies only, and prepare for the possibility of being without power for more than a day. Road conditions can be checked by calling 511. The Ice Storm Warning remains in effect through Sunday evening, and additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
