ICY BRIDGES POSSIBLE FRIDAY MORNING; FREEZING RAIN POSSIBLE… If you know someone who may be less “weather aware” than you, please let them know about the potential for freezing rain in parts of our local area tomorrow (Friday) morning. The main window for any freezing rain issues will be from 3AM to 9AM on Friday. We encourage everyone, including folks who may not be included in the highlighted “greatest threat” zone (in the graphic attached) to take some extra time tomorrow morning and take it slow in the morning commute. The forecast has not changed that much since previous updates. Here’s what you need to know tonight:
– A strong, Arctic cold front moved through our area earlier today. Temperatures have crashed into the 30s this evening. Temperatures near freezing are expected by daybreak.
– Scattered rain showers will become possible overnight. Precipitation will fall in the form of liquid rain as there is a mass of warmer (above freezing) air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere. Once the rain falls down to near the surface of the earth, temperatures will be at or near the freezing mark, thus creating an instant “flash freeze” effect, thus causing the potential for minor ice accumulation issues.
– The zone of potential greatest impact from freezing rain has shifted farther SOUTH from previous updates. This is because it appears rain will be more confined to the southern half of the area as opposed to near the I-65 corridor as discussed in previous updates.
– The National Weather Service believes the greatest probability of bridge icing issues will happen in parts of Mobile, Baldwin, and Escambia (FL) counties, thus why they have a “Winter Weather Advisory” out for those counties. Please keep in mind that this advisory area may have to be modified as we go into the overnight, including the possibility that more counties will have to be added into the advisory zone.
– Please keep in mind that this is a low confidence forecast. There IS a chance this event could “overperform” and cause more widespread issues on area roadways. There IS also a chance, however, that the event could “underperform” and rain/precipitation remains completely offshore. There is also a real chance that temperatures remain slightly above freezing (33-35°) at the surface tomorrow morning, potentially helping to limit more widespread icing issues.
– Take it slow in the morning commute tomorrow and be highly aware of the potential for ice on local bridges, overpasses, and puddles on roadways that may freeze over. Please pass this key message to family and friends that may not be as “weather aware” as you are.
– Freezing rain issues are most likely from 3AM to 9AM tomorrow morning. Temperatures will likely warm into the low-40s tomorrow afternoon despite cloud cover hanging tough.
My next forecast video will be posted by 7:15AM Friday morning. Have a nice evening and please stay safe!