Huntsville, Alabama – A sharp blast of winter cold will sweep across north Alabama and the Tennessee Valley Sunday evening, bringing dangerous wind chills near zero and a heightened risk of frostbite through early Monday.
The cold tightens quickly after sunset Sunday as north winds increase and temperatures plunge. Wind chills are expected to fall to around zero across Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, and DeKalb counties, with the coldest conditions late Sunday night into the pre-dawn hours Monday. Even brief exposure without protection could become hazardous.
According to the National Weather Service office in Huntsville, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. CST Monday for much of north central, northeast, and northwest Alabama. Cities impacted include Huntsville, Decatur, Athens, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Cullman, Guntersville, and Arab. Nearby areas of southern middle Tennessee, including Franklin, Lincoln, and Moore counties, are under an extended advisory through early Monday as well.
Travelers on I-65, I-565, U.S. 72, and U.S. 431 should prepare for bitter cold during overnight and early morning hours, especially if dealing with vehicle issues. According to emergency management officials, residents should limit time outdoors, dress in layers with hats and gloves, and fully cover exposed skin. Pets should be brought indoors, and outdoor plumbing should be protected before Sunday evening.
Heating demand will climb overnight. Residents are urged to use space heaters safely, keep them clear of flammable materials, and never run generators or grills indoors. Neighbors who are elderly or without reliable heat should be checked on before temperatures drop further.
Temperatures begin a slow recovery Monday morning, but cold air lingers across the Tennessee Valley into midweek.
