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Dallas County will be dealing with cold weather, but it is unlikely to cause major icing problems as a storm system moves into the area Thursday night into Friday.

Gerald Satterwhite, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham, said that while temperatures will be very cold this week, the likelihood of any frozen precipitation is very low.

“Right now, for Selma, it appears like there may be a couple of hours of maybe a wintry mix on Thursday night into Friday morning before it all changes over to rain during the day on Friday,” Satterwhite said. “Initially, the models were showing the low tracking farther to the south, but right now, the low will likely be along the Gulf Coast. That means the greatest potential for snow is likely going to be in the Huntsville area.”

Areas where winter weather is likely would be over North Alabama from Blount County northward, where driving conditions could be hazardous and with some power outages. Areas from Tuscaloosa County northward could see some icing on bridges and overpasses.

Satterwhite said the forecast for Thursday night and early Friday morning shows precipitation starting as snow or a wintry mix for maybe a couple of hours before changing all to rain. Temperatures are forecasted to rise into the low 40s on Friday. As the precipitation ends, the Friday night low is forecasted to stay around 34 degrees.

“It’s possible you could see some slick spots in those first couple of hours, but it should not be a major concern,” Satterwhite said. “Because it’s tracking farther north, that means warmer temperatures will spread over the area causing it to change to all rain.”

By Saturday, sun returns, and any leftover moisture on roads would likely evaporate before it could freeze that night, Satterwhite said.

Area going into deep freeze

While there won’t be much chance for snow, Satterwhite said the area needs to prepare for the coldest weather this winter season. Temperatures will drop into the 20s on Tuesday night and upper teens on Wednesday night.

“Tuesday night and Wednesday night will be the coldest nights we will see this week,” Satterwhite said. “So, everyone will need to take precautions to protect any exposed pipes. Either insulate, drain or allow water to drip from the faucet in exposed or unheated locations. Also, make sure you use precaution using space heaters and wood burning stoves. Bring in your pets whenever possible, and limit your exposure to the cold. Check on your neighbors and others who do not have sufficient heating.”

Warming station open

The Dallas County Emergency Management Agency has said that the Winston Williams shelter located at 1827 Broad Street will be open as a warming station.