Feb. 2-6 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama
Dangerously cold temperatures can threaten your safety in minutes, making extreme cold safety in Alabama essential for everyone. Understanding how the National Weather Service issues cold-weather alerts — and knowing how to respond — will help you stay safe during Alabama’s most severe winter conditions.
Understanding the Extreme Cold
The NWS in Birmingham issues cold-weather alerts when dangerous temperatures threaten central Alabama, including Tuscaloosa.
Cold Weather Advisory
A cold weather advisory alerts you to dangerously cold temperatures that are most certain to occur. In central Alabama, advisories are issued when temperatures or wind chills are expected to fall below 15° Fahrenheit.
Extreme Cold Watch
An extreme cold watch signals that extremely dangerous temperatures or wind chills are possible. Watches are issued when readings may drop to 5°F or below. Use this time to prepare for the cold.
Extreme Cold Warning
An extreme cold warning means extremely dangerous temperatures or wind chills below 5°F are occurring or guaranteed to occur. When a warning is issued, take action immediately to protect yourself, your pets, and your property.
Winter Precipitation
Dangerously cold conditions often accompany or follow winter precipitation. Because Alabama rarely sees much snow, sleet or freezing ran that turns to ice, it only takes a little to cause big problems, especially on roadways, sidewalks and bridges.
When winter precipitation is possible, the NWS in Birmingham may issue the following alerts.
Winter Storm Watch
A winter storm watch means hazardous winter weather could develop. Watches usually appear 12 to 72 hours before impacts.
Forecasters issue a Winter Storm Watch when they expect one or more of these within 12 to 48 hours:
- Snowfall of 2 inches or more
- Ice accumulation greater than 1/4 inch
- Sleet accumulation greater than 1/2 inch
Winter Weather Advisory
A winter weather advisory alerts you to winter weather that may slow daily life but doesn’t meet warning criteria.
Advisories are issued when one or more of these hazards are expected, occurring, or imminent:
- Snowfall of 1/4 to 2 inches
- Ice accumulation under 1/4 inch
- Sleet accumulation under 1/2 inch
Travel may become difficult during an advisory, so use caution.
Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm warning means hazardous winter weather is expected, occurring, or imminent.
Warnings indicate one or more of these conditions:
- Snowfall of 2 inches or more
- Ice accumulation greater than 1/4 inch
- Sleet accumulation of 1/2 inch or more
During a winter storm warning, travel can be extremely dangerous. Avoid driving in Alabama during these conditions.
Staying Safe in Extreme Cold
In any type of extremely cold weather, you should take precautions to stay safe. These include:
- Check the forecast. Use the UA Safety app to check the forecast and for any winter weather advisories, watches or warnings.
- Dress in layers. Add a hat, gloves, face covering and waterproof shoes in extreme cold. Frostbite can occur within 30 minutes at 0°-5°F.
- Adjust your schedule. Avoid being outside during the coldest periods — early morning and after dark.
- Protect pets. Bring them inside or provide shelter from wind and precipitation.
- Protect pipes. If you live off campus, open cabinet doors under sinks and let faucets drip during freezing weather. If you notice any leaking or ruptured pipes in University buildings, call UAPD at 205-348-5454.
- Fill up your gas tank. Keep at least a half tank in case you become stranded
Find more winter-weather preparedness tips on the Office of Emergency Management’s website.
This story begins a series to help the UA community better understand severe weather threats and take steps to stay safe. Additional stories this week will explore thunderstorm and tornado safety, flash flooding and other hazards that impact Alabama throughout the year.
Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test
Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 11:55 a.m.