The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a winter storm watch for Dallas County.

In its latest forecast update, the national weather service said that ½ inch of snow and sleet is possible for Dallas County on Friday. Parts of the state could see up to 3 inches.

“For your area, the critical period will be [Friday] evening, say late afternoon into the evening hours,” said Mark Rose, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham. “That’s when temperatures will get down to probably below freezing in Dallas County.”

Rose said Dallas County’s best chance to see accumulation is between 6 p.m. and midnight Friday, when temperatures will eventually drop below freezing. The low temperature in Selma on Friday is forecasted to be 23 degrees.

The weather service expects some ice accumulation and lists Dallas County within its limited impact area for snow, but in the elevated impact area for sleet and ice.

Gov. Robert Bentley has issued a state of emergency for all 67 Alabama counties starting at 7 a.m. on Friday.

“I am encouraging all Alabama residents to be prepared for the potential of significant winter weather and I have directed my essential state agencies to do the same,” Bentley said. “With any severe weather event there is always a measure of uncertainty; however, it is important for everyone to take the necessary precautions and stay informed of the latest weather predictions in your area.  I have issued a state of emergency to ensure all available state resources are ready to be deployed if and when it is deemed necessary.”

Dallas County Schools, Selma City Schools, Morgan Academy, Meadowview Christian School and Ellwood Christian Academy have all cancelled school on Thursday. The Dallas County Courthouse will also be closed on Friday.

Other cancellations include Leika’s Preschool, the city of Selma’s offices and Wallace Community College Selma.

With school cancelled, the weather has also forced several local basketball games to be cancelled.

Morgan Academy has cancelled its home basketball games for Friday evening against Monroe Academy. The game has been rescheduled for Jan. 23 when the Senators were originally scheduled to play at Macon East. The Macon East game has been cancelled.

Friday’s Keith-Southside game in Orrville has also been cancelled, but coaches are hoping to make it up. Selma-Central Tuscaloosa has been postponed and will not be played Friday. The same goes for Meadowview Christian’s game against Victory Baptist.