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Governor Kay Ivey has issued a state of emergency for 39 counties ahead of this next round of winter weather.

The counties include: 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 and Wilcox.

“Alabama, once again, is faced with the potential for winter weather, but this time, for the southern half of the state,” Ivey said. “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.

The state of emergency will go into effect today at 5 p.m. Central and will remain in effect for the duration of this emergency. Alabama law specifies that a state of emergency ordinarily will last 60 days; however, it may be terminated earlier by written proclamation.

“Make any necessary preparations now, stay tuned in to your weather forecasts and stay warm,” Ivey said.

Due to the State of Emergency, Ivey has directed all State offices and buildings in the named counties be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 22. Therefore, the following Medicaid district offices are closed: Auburn, Dothan, Mobile, Montgomery and Selma.