Snow in the forecast; Gadsden, Etowah County officials making preparations
Snow lovers are glued to weather forecasts and obsessing over computer models that indicate Northeast Alabama will see some level of winter storm on Friday into Saturday.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham says only that “the probabilities are increasing that there will be some impacts to the area during the day on Friday,” pointing out that “just 1 to 3 degrees could dramatically change this setup and will need to be monitored in the coming days.”
Gadsden’s official forecast, as of Tuesday afternoon, called for a 100% chance of rain and/or snow during the day Friday and a 70% chance at night, with a high temperature of 35 and a low of 27.
However, local officials are making preparations just in case the models (which, depending on the one you choose, were showing anywhere from 2 to 5 inches or thereabouts of snow for the area) pan out.
Snow falls on Rainbow Drive in Gadsden during a past winter storm. Forecasters are calling for similar weather in the area on Jan. 10, but computer models remain in flux and a few degrees in temperature could mean the difference between snow, sleet or rain.
Derek Mummert, director of the Gadsden-Etowah Emergency Management Agency, told the Gadsden City Council at its meeting Tuesday, “We’ve been gearing up for the possible winter weather that’s coming at the end of the week since last week. We had a good briefing with the National Weather Service this morning.”
Mummert said a cold weather advisory is possible and Gadsden and Etowah County are in an elevated impact area “as it stands right now,” which basically stretches from Interstate 20 northward.
He reinforced that the forecast could change as the event draws closer, but added, “We will be getting multiple updates from (the NWS)” that will be pushed out to the public on the EMA’s social media (Facebook at and X at @GECEMA) and through the city’s informational apps.
More: Gadsden area high school basketball games impacted by winter weather for Week of Jan. 6
“With an elevated impact area, you can go ahead and expect difficult travel conditions,” Mummert said. “I’ve been in contact with the mayor’s office, public works, the police department, the fire department and everyone else, and we’re already making preparations for this impact.”
He also reinforced the NWS’ observation that everything will depend on the temperature. “Not only your air temperature, but the surface temperature,” he said. “That’s going to dictate exactly if we’ll get a wintry mix, snow, just ice or just rain. The NWS will give us a better timetable as we move closer to Friday.”
Mummert also noted that temperatures won’t get much above freezing Saturday and Sunday, meaning travel problems could linger. The NWS forecast as of Tuesday called for a high of 37 and a low of 16 for Saturday, and a high of 42 and a low of 24 for Sunday.
More: Winter weather event brings snow and ice into Alabama. Here’s where to expect it.
Tena King, director of city services, said the public works department “is on high alert” to work with the EMA on clearing roads. She said it has salt ready to use and could also get a chance to use its new snow plow.
Vance Brown, the city’s new fire chief, said he has a plan in place to ensure sufficient coverage in the city should travel conditions deteriorate.
Etowah County Engineer Robert Nail told county commissioners during their meeting on Tuesday that sand trucks are “ready to go.” He said his department will keep and eye on the forecasts and stage equipment through the county on Thursday if warranted.
City and county officials stressed that City Hall and the courthouse will both be open for business on Friday.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden, Etowah County preparing for possible snow
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