MONTGOMERY – Weather forecasts are calling for a mix of rain, wind, severe storms and winter weather for some portions of the state during the next 24 hours.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) encourages all citizens to stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts. Motorists who absolutely must drive during the weather event should use extreme caution and expect roadways and bridges/overpasses to be icy or covered in snow in the northern part of the state. ALEA’s Troopers will be on standby to assist during and following the storm once conditions are safe to do so.
In addition, ALEA offers the following list of safety tips when preparing for severe and wintry weather, as well as for traveling during such hazardous conditions:
- Do not allow severe weather to surprise you. The time to act is now to ensure you and your family are prepared. Test your emergency communication plan and charge your devices.
- Prepare for strong winds by removing loose or damaged limbs from trees near your home. Power outages are likely. Always avoid downed power lines, and leave the cleanup on roadways to the professionals.
- After the storm, make sure to stay away from downed power lines and DO NOT pull tree limbs off downed lines or make repairs to power-related equipment.
- Monitor local news for information on weather conditions and travel advisories, and check road conditions at https://algotraffic.com/.
- Report traffic crashes or other emergencies by calling 911 or using a cell phone to dial *HP (*47) to reach the nearest Highway Patrol post.
- During winter weather, do not utilize your vehicle’s cruise control. This creates issues and could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially when crossing frozen or iced-over bridges.
- Keep vehicles in good operating condition. Check antifreeze levels, use windshield washer solution suitable for freezing weather conditions and keep gas tanks at least half full.
- Remain alert for emergency vehicles and remember to obey Alabama’s “move over” law.
- Remember weather and roadway conditions can deteriorate quickly. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions and be alert for changing weather and the possibility of icy and slippery roads.
- During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.
- Pay attention to bridges and overpasses, which tend to develop hazardous “black ice.”
- Do not forget about your pets. Outdoor pets should be brought inside.
- Create a family plan for severe weather and winter emergencies, and discuss how to stay safe in all conditions.
- Unlike tornadoes or thunderstorms that can pop up in a matter of minutes, winter storms usually provide us with days to prepare. Advisories, watches, and warnings are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). We encourage everyone to stay connected with their local news stations, as well as ALEA’s social media pages, for updates on weather and road conditions.
