By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) declared a State of Emergency for Alabama in preparation for winter weather that is expected to move through the state during the day on Thursday.
Governor Bentley said in a statement, “I have declared a State of Emergency as Alabama expects winter weather to impact our state. I have directed all state agencies to take necessary actions to be prepared to respond to potential requests for assistance. I encourage Alabamians to be prepared and monitor the weather conditions.”
According to the National Weather Service Office, the north and north central portions of the state are expected to experience varying mixtures of ice, sleet, snow and freezing rain beginning Thursday morning and lasting through mid-morning Friday.
Gov. Bentley and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency is activating the State Emergency Operations Center and necessary Field Divisions to monitor the storm and assist state and local agencies as needed. Governor Bentley has also activated 250 Alabama National Guardsmen in preparation for and to assist and respond to any emergency requests for assistance.
The State of Emergency will be effective at midnight Thursday.
Most schools are closed throughout North Alabama.
On Wednesday, March 4, the US National Weather Service office for the Birmingham Area issued a statement to Facebook, “Good afternoon Central Alabama! So it is 77 degrees outside of this office right now at 2 pm and yes we have issued a Winter Storm Warning and Freezing Rain Advisory! So here’s the latest forecast. Let us stress that there is once again be a very fine line of where ice accumulations will be 0.1 or none at all. This forecast is our latest thinking. Some newer models are increasing rain amounts as well, so there will likely be some adjustments over the next 24 hours, so stay aware of warnings and advisories. Also be aware areas in the advisory will still see impacts from freezing rain, so be cautious during the day Thursday.”
