Huntsville is staging snowplows and motor graders throughout the city in advance of the winter storm expected to bring a mixture of snow, freezing rain and sleet to the Tennessee Valley on Friday.

The city is putting a priority on areas with steep grades and areas near hospitals, officials said during a briefing at City Hall on Thursday. Main roads and roads leading to major employers such as Greenbrier Road are also expected to be given priority with a winter storm warning going in effect for north Alabama.

Huntsville, Madison County and Madison city officials are coordinating their efforts in preparation for the storm.

“We want to assure everyone that we are working closely with local, regional and state officials to ensure that we have a proactive response,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We have been monitoring this weather event closely. We are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.”

Local officials are hoping to avoid many of the problems that plagued north Alabama during January 2024’s winter storm, which was mainly as ice event that crippled the area for days.

Huntsville recently retrofitted 10 of its 1-ton trucks with plows, resulting in a total of 15 1-ton trucks with plows. Huntsville also has 20 half-ton trucks with bumper-mounted plows as well as motor graders.

Huntsville Police (HPD) is positioning barricades in areas where roads may need to be closed, such as bridges and overpasses. HPD Chief Kirk Giles stressed that bypassing barricades is illegal and traffic accidents that occur on closed roads will not be worked by HPD.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has treated federal and state roads in advance of the storm. In Huntsville, ALDOT is responsible for Interstate 565, Memorial Parkway (U.S. 231), Governors Drive (U.S. 431), Research Park Boulevard (Alabama 255), Alabama 53 and U.S. 72 (University Drive).

Madison County Commissioners have treated rural roads beyond the city limits of Huntsville and Madison. Madison and Madison County will have heavy equipment in place to help clear major roads.

“Today we started applying salt brine to the county roads in District 4,” County Commissioner Phil Vandiver said in a statement. He said the work will continue on Friday.

“Many of the other Madison County Districts were also picking up brine and putting it on roads within their districts,” he said.

In Athens, Public Works trucks are loaded with sand, and the plows are ready, Communication Specialist Holly Hollman said. She said crews will sand the bridges in heavily traveled areas first (I-65, Alabama 251, Forrest Street) and then areas around emergency facilities, such as Athens-Limestone Hospital, Fire Stations and Police Dept. and Nuclear Plant Road to Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. Hollman said.

Crews from Athens Utilities have their equipment ready and are on standby in case they need to respond, she said.

Local officials are urging residents to take steps to be ready to remain at home if the weather creates lingering road issues.

“The most important message we want to convey is the need for personal preparation,” Battle said. “You can still go to the grocery store, get the food, gas and prescriptions you need and have a plan in place so you can ride out this winter weather event over the next 72 hours.”

“Ask yourself, ‘Do I need to get out of this house?’” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said. “Is it a want or a need? If we stick with the needs, we’ll be in much better position to take care of those who truly need help and this community is stepping up and doing that.”

If residents do have to get out on the roadways, the Huntsville Police Department offers the following tips for drivers:
The department offered tips for drivers

• Respect road closures and barricades: Going around barricades placed on closed roads is illegal. These closures are in place to protect the public from unsafe conditions.
• Do not leave vehicles abandoned on roadways: If your vehicle becomes disabled, pull it to the right of way if it is safe to do so. Abandoned vehicles block access for first responders and road crews.
• Plan ahead: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking tires, brakes, windshield wipers and fluid levels. Carry an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight and a fully charged phone.
• Drive with caution: If you must drive, reduce speed, increase following distances and allow extra time to reach your destination. Watch for icy patches, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Warming Centers

Warming shelters are open for anyone who needs temporary shelter from the elements. The Community Warming Center at The Livin’ Room has extended its hours to Sunday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m.

Community Warming Center – The Livin’ Room (2820 Governors Drive SW): Call 256-427-5400 or email [email protected].

First Stop (206 Stokes St.): Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 256-533-3391.

Downtown Rescue Mission (1400 Evangel Drive NW): Open 24/7. Call 256-536-2441.

Salvation Army (305 Seminole Drive SW): Open Monday-Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Call 256-536-9147.

If the City is open, Huntsville Transit will provide transportation to warming centers. If the City is closed, those needing a ride should call the Huntsville Police Department’s non-emergency number at 256-722-7100.