Road conditions improving

Conditions began to  improve dramatically Thursday across the area as temperatures finally made it above the freezing mark and the sun began to melt the snow and ice left by Tuesdays storm.  But, despite the improving conditions  many roads in the region remain impassable prompting school officials to delay the opening of many schools until Monday.   If students are worried about having to make up those missed days, no worries, the missed will be excused because Gov. Robert Bentley declared a state of emergency. The Legislature passed a law after the April 27, 2011, tornadoes that if a state of emergency is declared, missed school days do not need to be made up if the state Superintendent of Education agrees. Tommy Bice said early Thursday that he approved not making up the days.  In Etowah county The Alabama Department of Transportation and the Etowah County Road Department now have issued an advisory, stating roads are passable, but caution still is needed.