Winter Storm Threat Causes School Closings

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for the state of Alabama based on reports fromm the National Weather Service of a winter storm expected to sweep through the state during the day Tuesday. The report from the NWS shows an arctic cold front entering northwest Alabama Tuesday morning and moving southeastward across central Alabama Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night. This has prompted many school systems in the Birmingham metro area to close Tuesday.

This front should have enough moisture and lift to generate a band of light to moderate snow. Reports show that the best chance for accumulating snowfall appears to be along and north of a line from Demopolis to Clanton to Wedowee. Though snowfall amounts are expected to remain less than 2 inches, impacts to travel could be significant due to temperatures falling into the 20s as the snow occurs.

The Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through early Wednesday morning. As well, the NWS issued a Hard Freeze Watch, during the same time span, as a range of 10-24 degrees is expected Wednesday morning.

The following area schools are closed Tuesday:

Alabama School of Fine Arts

Alabama Waldorf School

Alabaster City Schools

Birmingham City Schools

Birmingham-Southern College

Bessemer City Schools

Beville State CC

Blount County Schools

Chilton County Schools

Homewood City Schools

Hoover City Schools

Indian Springs School

Jefferson County Schools

Leeds City Schools

Midfield City Schools

Mountain Brook Schools

Pelham City Schools

Samford University

Tarrant City Schools

Trussville City Schools

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Vestavia Hills Schools

This list will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.

Photo by Michael Seale