North Alabama Prepares for Winter Weather

The National Weather Service in Huntsville has issued a winter weather advisory for all of North Alabama and parts of southern Tennessee starting from noon Friday until 3:00 a.m. Saturday.

With temperatures in the 20s, any snow falling will stick. Light accumulations are possible with up to 2 inches in some areas.

Bridges and overpasses will become slick very quickly so be advised if you are travelling in the area.

 

The City of Huntsville and area agencies are preparing for a potential winter weather event on Friday, Jan. 5. Forecasters say the Tennessee Valley may receive up to two inches of snow, but whether or not Huntsville receives a dusting, frigid temperatures will grip the area.

  • Huntsville’s Public Transit will begin offering free bus service to warming shelters at 3 p.m. Thusday through close of business on Friday, Jan. 6.
  • Police patrol officers will keep a check on areas frequented by the homeless community in an attempt to ensure everyone is safe from the elements.
  • Public Works crews are prepared to treat and clear major roadways.
  • Road conditions and closures will be posted through the Nixle Alert System and to the City’s Twitter page.

For resource information regarding municipal services, please visit the City’s Winter Weather Alert page.

Please check on neighbors, senior citizens, and ensure pets are brought indoors

TVA Tips to Help you Stay Warm:

“With every degree you crank up your thermostat, you can add another 3 percent to your electric bill,” says Frank Rapley, general manager for EnergyRight Solutions, TVA’s groundbreaking energy efficiency program.

To help keep your monthly electricity usage under control, Rapley recommends following TVA’s energy saving tips:

  1. Open Wide: Take advantage of nature. Keep curtains open on the south side of the house and closed on the north during the day to let the warming sunlight in.
  2. Dial It Down: Try keeping your thermostat set to 68°F. Turn it down even more when no one is home for several days.
  3. Get Set: Install an ENERGY STAR-certified programmable thermostat that will automatically turn down the temperature when you leave the house, and up the heat when you’re on the way home.
  4. Pave the Way: Insulate the path hot air takes from your furnace or heat pump to the vent in your room. That means wrapping heating ducts in insulation, and repairing any air leaks you encounter as you go.
  5. Keep It Clean: Change air filters in your heating system on a monthly basis. Dirty filters force your heating system to work harder, thereby using more energy.
  6. Strip Down: Lay down weather stripping around windows or doors; alternatively, caulk them. This helps keep cold weather out and warm air in.
  7. Seal of Approval: Seal exterior light switches and electrical outlets—these are often overlooked leaks.
  8. Fill 'Er Up: Add insulation to your attic, and stuff it into crawlspaces and any accessible exterior walls. The more insulation the better.
  9. Put a Damper on It: Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when not in use. You don’t want to send warm air up the chimney.
  10. Treat Your Tootsies: If you have hardwood or tile floors, use area rugs to keep your feet warm. Bonus: They add beauty, too.

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