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NWS issues winter storm warning, state of emergency declared

NWS issues winter storm warning, state of emergency declared

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, saying snow and sleet accumulations around two inches are expected. Ice accumulations of one tenth of an inch are expected. The warning lasts until January 22 at 7 a.m.

Governor Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency declaration for all Wiregrass counties, beginning Monday at 5 p.m.

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

12:30 PM: UPDATE: Fire on Hutchins Street

12:30 PM: UPDATE: Fire on Hutchins Street

Dothan Fire is responding to a call of a structure fire at 709 Hutchins Street.

On-scene units reported fire in the attic of the residence.

The residence was evacuated.

On-scene units reported downed power lines

The fire is now reported to be under control.

Dothan Municipal Court to close Tuesday, Wednesday

Dothan Municipal Court to close Tuesday, Wednesday

City of Dothan Municipal Court will suspend all in-Court proceedings January 21-22, 2025. Court will resume on Thursday, January 23rd.

It is the responsibility of each defendant to contact the Magistrate’s office at 334-615-4150 to make sure their address is updated to get  rescheduled court dates.

Local law enforcement: be smart, stay home; no vehicular Ice Capades

Local law enforcement: be smart, stay home; no vehicular Ice Capades

Local law enforcement leaders are urging Wiregrass residents to stay home amid the risk of snow and icy roads.

“We recommend unless it’s absolutely an emergency, try not to get out,” said Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza.

“We’re going to probably have enough calls where we really don’t need any more,” he said. “For your safety, it’s best to stay off the road unless you absolutely have to.”

Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum echoed that idea, urging people to be smart.

“It puts a burden on the system when you’ve got people out,” he said. “Make good decisions. We urge everyone, for their safety and the safety of first responders, to stay off the road.”

Enterprise Police put out a statement on Facebook, saying not to travel unless it’s absolutely necessary.

“We don’t want to get a call about witnesses seeing your minivan pirouetting like it was auditioning for the Ice Capades or your Civic sledding down into a ditch when you knew your tires were as bald as Uncle Larry,” the statement said.
Winter storm watch: snow possible, dangerous cold coming

Winter storm watch: snow possible, dangerous cold coming

Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills will persist for much of the upcoming week. Confidence has increased for wintry precipitation across portions of the region in the late Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning time frame, according to the National Weather Service.

Highs Monday will only get into the thirties, with “feels like” temperatures sitting just around freezing.

But forecasters say Tuesday and Wednesday are growing more and more likely to see snow.

A system capable of winter precipitation will move in around noon Tuesday, possibly dumping snow on the region until Tuesday night.

Freezing rain could also be a risk Tuesday night into Wednesday.

The area could see two to four inches of snow, and Wednesday could see icy roads.

Check here for warming stations.

See school closures here.