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The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned drivers in parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia that they could lose control of their cars amid sub freezing temperatures Thursday night.
Why It Matters
The southern United States has seen record-breaking amounts of snow this week. The NWS posted satellite video footage of snow blanketing the Gulf Coast from southeast Texas to the eastern Carolinas on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.
The cold weather is staying for the time being in portions of southeast Alabama, southwest and south-central Georgia, Big Bend and Panhandle Florida. Snow and sleet melt will re-freeze tonight, causing patches of black ice that will create slick road conditions.
What To Know
The NWS issued special weather statements on Thursday, warning of some icy roads in several counties Thursday night through Friday morning.
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“Re-freezing of snow and sleet melt is expected this evening, as temperatures plummet well below freezing after dark. This will create areas of slippery black ice, especially in places that have not already completely dried, or places that have remained shaded through the day,” the weather service warned.
Alabama
The following counties will be impacted by slick road conditions: Coffee, Dale, Henry, Geneva and Houston.
Florida
The following counties will be impacted by slick road conditions: Walton, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Leon and Liberty.
Georgia
The following counties will be impacted by slick road conditions: Quitman, Clay, Randolph, Terrell, Dougherty, Lee, Worth, Turner, Tift, Ben Hill, Irwin, Early, Miller, Baker, Mitchell, Colquitt, Cook, Berrien, Seminole, Decatur, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Lowndes, Lanier, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Wayne, Atkinson, Pierce, Brantley, Glynn, Echols, Clinch and Ware.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service (NWS) said in one of its Thursday statements, “Black ice is difficult to see and distinguish from dry surfaces. The deceptive nature of black ice can catch you unaware while you are driving or walking, causing you to lose control of your motor vehicle or to slip and fall.”
The weather service advised drivers to take it slow when traveling.
“If you plan to drive or walk, remain alert for black ice. Slow your driving speed and use care when walking on sidewalks, driveways or parking lots. Slips and falls constitute a leading cause of injuries during winter weather,” the NWS said.
What Happens Next
Alabama, Florida and Georgia residents can check local weather forecasts for the latest information on their areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues regular updates on its website.