Article:
Governor Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for 25 counties in Alabama in anticipation of an approaching winter storm. The affected counties include Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, St. Clair, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Marion, Winston, Franklin, Lawrence, Colbert, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, and Jackson counties in North Alabama. These areas can expect periods of snow throughout tonight and tomorrow night, with some freezing rain and sleet at times. The heaviest snowfall is expected along and north of the Tennessee River, with accumulations of 1-4 inches.

Additionally, a winter weather advisory has been issued for Lamar, Fayette, Cullman, Morgan, Marshall, Blount, Etowah, Cherokee, and DeKalb counties. These areas may experience a "wintry mix" of precipitation, including snow and the possibility of up to one inch of snow accumulation and one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation.

The winter weather is expected to impact travel conditions as early as this evening, with hazardous conditions continuing through Tuesday. In the winter storm warning and winter weather advisory areas, icy travel issues are likely to persist due to the arrival of Arctic air. Temperatures will remain below freezing on Tuesday and drop further into the range of 5-15 degrees by Wednesday morning in the northern half of Alabama, with temperatures likely to be in the teens even along the Gulf Coast. Wind chill values are expected to be below zero on Wednesday morning in much of North Alabama.

Residents are urged to take necessary precautions, as Governor Ivey warned of unusually cold temperatures. She urged people to be prepared, exercise caution while travelling, and stay updated with weather forecasts.

Looking ahead, models suggest that another shot of Arctic air may arrive over the weekend of January 20-21. Meanwhile, a travel advisory map has been provided, indicating approximate times when icy travel may become problematic across the Deep South. It is important to note that these times represent when travel issues will begin, and with the arrival of Arctic air, icy travel conditions may persist until Wednesday morning.

While the most significant travel issues are expected in the northern quarter of Alabama, particularly in the Tennessee Valley region, there is a possibility of light freezing rain or freezing drizzle in the central and southwest parts of the state by tomorrow night, potentially leading to icy patches.

Residents are urged to stay informed about the changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this winter storm.