“We are predicting between 4-7 inches of snow in St. Clair and Talladega counties, with probably higher accumulation in the higher terrain,” said Angel Montanez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham.
Montanez said the Winter Storm Watch is in effect Sunday afternoon through noon Monday, and could be upgraded if needed.
He said although snow flurries may begin Sunday morning, the snow should begin accumulating between 3-6 p.m. Sunday.
“It will probably accumulate fast,” he said. “We advise residents to stay off the roads if possible.”
Montanez said the main snowfall should occur Sunday night through Monday morning.
“We are expecting the heavy precipitation overnight,” he said. “But we could see light snowfall as late as Tuesday morning.”
Montanez said the counties may also see freezing rain Monday, depending on how the storm tracks.
“It should start out as snow, but there is a chance that it could turn to freezing rain and ice,” he said.
Montanez said the predicted high temperature Sunday is 33 degrees, with a low of 29 degrees.
“The high temperature Monday is 32 degrees and Tuesday is 35 degrees, with temperatures both nights in the low 20s,” he said. “So there are travel concerns with melting snow turning to ice.”
Montanez said predictions may change as the winter weather event nears.
“We have shelters on standby and will open them if the need arises,” said Christine Arnold, executive director for the St. Clair County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Possible shelters in St. Clair County include First Baptist Church in Pell City, located at 2309 Second Avenue North, Pell City, Moody United Methodist Church, located at 820 Church Street, Moody, and Springville First United Methodist Church, located at 6471 U.S. 11, Springville. Residents are advised to call first to ensure the shelter is open. First Baptist Church in Pell City can be reached at 205-338-9444, Moody United Methodist Church can be reached at 205-640-7491 and Springville First United Methodist Church can be reached at 205-467-7866 or 205-467-6296. Residents may also call the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency at 205-884-6800.
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
