As north Alabama braces for a potential winter storm this weekend, the Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency has shared tips on how people to get ready.
“Now is the time to prepare for the possibility of winter weather this weekend,” the agency said in a social media post Wednesday. “A little preparation now can make a big difference if power outages occur and you need to shelter in place for a few days.”
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A list of things to do to prepare, according to the agency, includes:
- Charge devices: phones, battery packs, flashlights
- Have light without flame risk: flashlights > candles
- Food & water: at least 2–3 days (no-cook options)
- Warm layers: hats, gloves, blankets—homes lose heat fast
- Fuel up vehicles early; gas stations may lose power
- Trim weak branches near your house if time allows
- Seal drafts: towels at doors, close unused rooms
- Protect pipes: let faucets drip, open cabinet doors
- Never use grills or generators indoors!
Winter Storm Watch
Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb, and Cullman are under a winter storm watch from Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 6 p.m., according to the U.S. National Weather Service Center in Huntsville. Two to three inches of snow and over a quarter inch of freezing rain are possible with dangerously low temperatures Sunday and Monday night with wind chills in the single digits to below zero.
Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing until Tuesday or Wednesday with snow and ice impacting travel conditions for several days.
Icy conditions increase the chances of power outages due to ice coating power lines and trees that can fall into the lines, Huntsville Utilities warned. HU recommends customers:
- Icy travel conditions mean it will take longer for crews to respond to power outages.
- Check for drafts around doors and windows to prevent heat loss. Stuff towels under cracks at the bottoms of doors.
- Set your thermostat to as low as is comfortable.
- Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, and warm clothing while indoors.
- Make sure you have batteries and emergency supplies.
- Protect pipes. Allow them to drip to keep water moving.
- If you see a downed power line, do not approach it or drive over it. Report it immediately through the HSVUTIL app or call 256-535-4448.
