UPDATE: An urgent winter storm threat is impacting Alabama, with severe weather expected to escalate this weekend. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency warns residents to prepare for freezing rain, potential tornadoes, and dangerously cold temperatures.
As of 2:00 PM on January 24, 2026, forecasts indicate that freezing rain and sleet will continue north of I-20. The severe storm risk has been upgraded to a slight risk in the southern regions, with a marginal risk now stretching northward to I-20 by Sunday.
Residents in southeastern Alabama should brace for a Wind Advisory as storm conditions are anticipated to develop late Sunday morning through the afternoon. Wind gusts between 40-60 mph are expected, particularly south of a line from Livingston to Montgomery to Auburn. Additionally, forecasters warn of possible tornadoes as instability and shear in the atmosphere increase.
Temperatures remain dangerously low, still below freezing along a line from Vernon to Cullman to Scottsboro. However, temperatures are projected to rise above freezing between 5 PM and 8 PM across much of the state, except for far northwestern counties currently under an Ice Storm Warning.
The main bulk of precipitation is forecasted to hit tonight, continuing through Sunday afternoon. A line of showers and thunderstorms will sweep across Alabama from mid to late Sunday morning, intensifying into the early evening hours.
Following the storm, a surge of very cold air will invade the state. Meteorologists predict little to no transition to freezing rain or snow as temperatures drop below freezing. Nevertheless, residents may experience light snow flurries late Sunday night into Monday morning.
In addition to the severe cold, gusty winds are expected to persist, reaching up to 30 mph from Sunday night through Monday afternoon.
Authorities are urging everyone to stay updated and take precautions, especially in areas under severe weather advisories. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
