BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -
Thousands of people are stranded on roadways all across the state due to a winter storm that has made many roads impassable.
For those who have been passed over by the storm, the issue is now the snow that has already accumulated. With high temperatures remaining below freezing until Thursday, any snowfall that accumulates will likely turn to ice. This will mean slick spots across south Alabama, especially bridges and overpasses.
Models did not originally show the storm affecting the Birmingham metro area and forecasts called for a light dusting. As the storm progressed on Tuesday, it became evident that Birmingham would be severely impacted by the weather.
This comes after a winter storm advisory issued for much of the Birmingham metro area was upgraded to a winter storm warning that extended down to the Alabama Gulf Coast. The warning was upgraded by the National Weather Service for Bibb, Calhoun, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter and Talladega Counties just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The warning is expected to last until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
Everyone in the viewing area is discouraged from driving in the weather. Many roads are not safe for driving and some are impassable. If you feel you absolutely have to go out in this weather, you are encouraged to dress very warmly and bring food and water. Also, be very cautious and give plenty of distance from other vehicles.
The low will hit 13 degrees early Wednesday morning and will warm up to a high of 33 degrees. It will remain dangerously cold until at least Thursday. A significant warm up is on the way for the weekend and next week with highs reaching the high 50s/low 60s and a chance of rain.
Stay with FOX6 on-air and on our weatherblog at www.myfoxtracker.com.
For information on possible school closings, please visit www.myfoxclosings.com.
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RADIO
You can get weather updates, including live FOX6 severe weather coverage, on the following Clear Channel radio stations in west and central Alabama:
Tuscaloosa: 94.1 ZBQ, 98.1 TXT, News Radio 105.9, and WACT 1420 AM
Birmingham: Magic 96.5, 102.5 The Bull, 103.7 The Q, News Radio 105.5 WERC, 103.1 The Vulcan, 104.1 The Beat, and 105.1 Hallelujah
WEATHER PICTURES
Upload your weather photos and videos at www.TellFox.com or email them to pix@wbrc.com.
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The view of Highway 280 looking toward Brookwood. Source: @mws4ua via Twitter
Traffic at a near standstill at UAB. Source: Kevin Storr via Beth Shelburne
Traffic backed up on 7th Avenue South and University Blvd. Photo: Nicole Wyatt
Snow is starting to cover Linn Park in Birmingham. Source: Jonathan Hardison/WBRC
Traffic is at a standstill on Central Avenue in Homewood. Source: Beth Shelburne/WBRC
