NWS Updated Winter Storm Forecast

WINTER STORM FORECAST UPDATE:
Not too much has changed in regards to the winter storm forecast for today across Central Alabama. The Winter Storm Warning and Advisory Counties remain the same, and is in effect from 9am this morning through Midnight tonight. We're still going to contend with a very sharp cut-off of snowfall across our southern tier of Winter Storm Warning Counties. Where that line sets up remains in question, and all it may take is a difference of 25-30 miles between a cold rain and significant snow accumulations. Meanwhile, we're still VERY confident of heavy snowfall north of Birmingham, or roughly along the U.S. 278 corridor. Hamilton, Double Springs, Oneonta, Gadsden, and Centre will likely see 4-6 inches with locally higher amounts of 6+ inches. Driving conditions will become DANGEROUS OR IMPOSSIBLE in these areas of heavy snow. Of course, with these systems we'll likely have surprises and disappointments when it comes to observed snowfall amounts compared to the forecast. This will certainly be the case along the southern end of the snow/rain line. We're closely watching the winter storm evolve to our southwest, as radar returns are already showing up across western Mississippi. Watching radar returns, satellite imagery, and analyzing the current weather balloon data of the atmosphere is now becoming very key in a better understanding of where that rain/snow line is going to end up. We'll continue to be hard at work throughout the day today, giving you the latest forecast updates, so please check back often throughout the morning!

ICY ROADS EXPECTED TONIGHT:
In areas that receive snowfall today, we'll see those locations drop below freezing overnight tonight and everything will re-freeze. Therefore, driving conditions will continue to be quite dangerous, especially across the northern half of Central Alabama. Temperatures will rise above freezing through 10 to 11am for all of Central Alabama by Thursday morning.
HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED SOUTH:
Snowfall won't be the only impact expected across Central Alabama today, with rainfall amounts close to one inch expected across the southern half of Central Alabama. No flooding concerns are expected at this time, but ponding of water will be possible in those low-lying areas and poor drainage areas. The rainfall will taper off late this evening.