Birmingham, AL – The National Weather Service in Birmingham is warning residents to prepare for dangerously cold conditions across central Alabama this weekend, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing in many areas. Officials say the frigid air could lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and hazardous travel if precautions aren’t taken.
According to the NWS, early warning signs of hypothermia include confusion, shivering, sleepiness, difficulty speaking, and stiff muscles. Residents are advised to dress in loose, warm layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors. The agency also encourages checking on elderly relatives, infants, and anyone without adequate heat.
Drivers are urged to keep their gas tanks at least half full, pack a winter safety kit, and avoid leaving people or pets in parked cars. For pet owners, NWS recommends bringing animals inside, checking their paws for salt or frostbite, and recognizing distress signals like whining or shivering—both warning signs of hypothermia.
At home, residents should let faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes, monitor space heaters carefully, and ensure heating systems are operating safely. Officials stress never to run a car in a closed garage and to keep heaters clear of flammable materials.
With cold expected to persist through early next week, the NWS urges everyone to stay weather-aware and take safety seriously.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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