Huntsville, Alabama – Strong winds sweeping across north Alabama Sunday could make travel difficult before a sharp cold snap threatens a hard freeze early this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday for counties across north Alabama including Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb, and Cullman. Southwest winds between 15 and 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph may blow around unsecured objects, snap tree limbs, and lead to isolated power outages.
Communities including Huntsville, Decatur, Athens, Florence, Scottsboro, Guntersville, and Cullman could experience the strongest gusts Sunday afternoon and overnight. Drivers along Interstate 65, Interstate 565, and U.S. Highway 72 should expect strong crosswinds, especially on bridges and exposed roadways.
Behind the windy conditions, colder air will push into the Tennessee Valley. A Freeze Watch is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday morning, when temperatures could drop to around 22°F.
That level of cold could damage sensitive plants and freeze exposed pipes. Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items Sunday and take steps to protect vegetation and plumbing before the cold arrives.
