Alabama declares state of emergency in 37 counties ahead of threat of winter weather

More than half of Alabama’s 67 counties are going into a state of emergency today due to the forecast of severe winter weather.

Governor Kay Ivey cited the threat of ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures in her proclamation declaring the state of emergency. She urged people to stay off the roads if possible in the affected areas and to prepare today.

Ivey named 37 counties in the state of emergency: Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee , Limestone, Macon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.

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“Cold temperatures have persisted in Alabama this week and we expect the winter weather to affect our condition, especially our driving conditions,” Ivey said. “As we all know, winter weather is challenging in a state like Alabama due to forecast uncertainties.

“That said, I encourage Alabamians to make the necessary preparations today, and if you are in an affected area and don’t need to be on the road, try to avoid it. Watch your local weather forecasts and be aware of the weather.”

The state of emergency comes into effect today at 1 p.m. The declaration means that a state law against price drops comes into force in the emergency areas. The law prohibits unfair prices for the sale or lease of any commodity or lease facility.

Alabama law specifies that a state of emergency will normally last 60 days, but may be terminated sooner by written proclamation.

A winter storm warning will go into effect at midnight for all of northern Alabama.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for central Alabama approximately south of the Interstate 20 corridor. It takes effect at midnight.

Forecasters said temperatures will be at or just below freezing in the warning and advisory areas and will cause difficult travel conditions for the Friday morning commute, especially across north and north-central Alabama.