Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for 39 counties ahead of severe winter weather and snow in central and coastal Alabama.

“Alabama, once again, is faced with the potential for winter weather, but this time, for the southern half of the state,” Ivey said in a news release announcing the proclamation. “We are anticipating potentially dangerous and uncertain driving conditions in the impacted portions of the state, so I am urging Alabamians to err on the side of caution and limit their travel. Make any necessary preparations now, stay tuned in to your weather forecasts and stay warm.”

A “significant” winter storm is expected to hit the state tomorrow, bringing snow to south Alabama and beyond. For most of the state, bitter cold has already set in and will continue for much of the week before warming up over the weekend.

The Alabama National Guard will be activated as part of the state of emergency, and state government offices may close at Ivey’s direction.

A number of school systems have already announced closures ahead of the winter weather. A list of school closings and delays is being updated by AL.com.

State of emergencies last 60 days under Alabama law, but the order may be terminated earlier by written proclamation.

The state of emergency takes effect at 5 p.m. today, for the following counties:

• Autauga
• Baldwin
• Barbour
• Bibb
• Bullock
• Butler
• Chambers
• Chilton
• Choctaw
• Clarke
• Coffee
• Conecuh
• Coosa
• Covington
• Crenshaw
• Dale
• Dallas
• Elmore
• Escambia
• Geneva
• Greene
• Hale
• Henry
• Houston
• Lee
• Lowndes
• Macon
• Marengo
• Mobile
• Monroe
• Montgomery
• Perry
• Pike
• Randolph
• Russell
• Sumter
• Tallapoosa
• Washington
• Wilcox