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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Wintry weather will be moving into central Alabama and Chilton County from Jan. 15-17, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. The weather is expected to reach Chilton County in the evening hours of Monday night, Jan. 15.

Although the northwest portion of the state has the best chance for snow, the NWS is not ruling out the chance for flurries and a dusting in central Alabama. Impacts Monday night and into Tuesday morning are icy spots on roadways, impacts to traveling and light snow accumulations.

The weather is bringing frigid cold temperatures with it from Monday night until Wednesday, with Tuesday, Jan. 16, being the coldest. Monday night the temperatures drop to around 24 degrees, and further into Tuesday morning. Snow flurries are possible during the Tuesday morning commute, with a high of only 33 degrees throughout the day. Feels-like temperatures Tuesday night will drop into the single digits.

The front of the Chilton County Jail will be open to anyone looking for a warm place to stay out of the cold weather and act as a warming station. Chilton County Sheriff John Sheron said if anyone has any problems or gets stranded to call the CCSO, however, the department does not have generators for power outages, but they are willing to help as best they can.

“Last time when it got down so bad we had one person show up (to the warming station), so if we need to do that again I am game,” Shearon said. “Watching out for the elderly, making sure they have heat and making sure they are taken care of (is important in this weather). Just try to stay in and out of the cold as much as possible, because when it gets down to that type of temperature it does not take long to start getting frostbite.”

Impacts during the cold snap include the possibility of pipes bursting and health concerns. Preparedness measures include covering exposed pipes, letting faucets drip, bring pets indoors and arranging an emergency heat source if a power outage occurs. Shearon added that long-distance travelers should check their car’s antifreeze before traveling, and pack extra blankets or jackets.

More impacts of the wintry weather from the NWS will be available following the severe weather on Jan. 12. More information can be found at www.weather.gov.