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The National Weather Service in Mobile issued an update Monday at 4 p.m. There are no significant changes to the impacts and messaging NWS provided earlier, but the agency did make adjustments to the snow totals to increase expected accumulation in what could be a historic winter storm for the southern half of south Alabama all the way to the coast.

Photo by NWS

Wind chills in the single digits and low teens could potentially by hazardous to humans and animals. On Tuesday, 1-3 inches of snow are expected, but 4-5 inches are possible.

Timing for the heaviest frozen precipitation remains the same with local areas expecting snowfall around 9 a.m. Patchy light snow may start by 6am across southwest Alabama and southeast Mississippi and as early as 9am further east across south central Alabama and the northwest Florida Panhandle. The heaviest accumulations are expected late morning through the afternoon.

The NWS still expects a tight gradient in snow totals across the northern half of the area. Butler County should look for between two and four inches to accumulate.

Major impacts are expected across the entire area, even across locations that receive minor accumulations.

Residents are looking at a primarily snow event. There could be some sleet that tries to mix in across the Florida Panhandle, but even there it appears snow is most likely. Wind gusts from 15-20 miles per hour (MPH) at peak and 10-15 MPH will reduce visibility. Snow accumulations with the ability to down trees and power lines is possible.

Temperatures will drop into the teens and low 20s Tuesday night/Wednesday morning with highs Wednesday only reaching the mid to upper 30s, so it is likely snow/ice on roads and bridges will still be a concern for Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.

Wind chills below freezing are forecast through midday Wednesday.

Governor Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency Monday and residents are urged to avoid travel if possible. Individuals who find themselves caught in the storm are advised to find shelter, stay dry, melt snow for drinking water and move around occasionally to keep warm.

If travel is necessary, take it slow. All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive can lose traction in ice and snow.

Freezing rain, though less likely, can still cause hazards on roads and walkways and cause potential for downed trees and power lines.