Rain and sleet continues to increase over the western half of Alabama this morning. The precipitation is falling through a layer of dry air, and the evaporative cooling process is bringing bands of sleet to parts of Northwest Alabama. Temperatures in this region are above freezing, and the ice pellets are not expected to bring any travel problems. We have received sleet reports from Winston, Marion, Colbert, Lauderdale, Limestone, and Madison counties, where temperatures are between 33 and 37 degrees.
As the low levels moisten up, we are still expecting all rain this afternoon and tonight for the North-Central part of Alabama, with the rain potentially heavy at times. A flash flood watch remains in effect.
The extreme North Alabama will be flirting with icing tonight, and a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Tennessee Valley, including Muscle Shoals, Huntsville, and Scottsboro. Concern is growing for significant icing over the northern quarter of Mississippi; this was posted by the NWS Memphis within the past few minutes:
“Getting more concerned with worse icing problem farther south. Based on heavy freezing rain report in Tate County, the ice storm potential is quickly within a 40 mile line a Helena AR to Booneville MS, including Batesville, Oxford, Holly Springs, and New Albany areas. Really getting concerned about 0.5″ inch or more in these areas. May get close to warning criteria near Tupelo.”
A winter storm warning is in effect for that part of Mississippi, with ice accumulation of up to 3/4″ is possible.
The greatest risk of bridge icing over Alabama later this afternoon and tonight will be over Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Morgan, Madison, Limestone, Jackson, Marshall, and Dekalb Counties. And, the really big ice/snow event will be to the north over Tennessee.
More updates throughout the day….
