Closures continue with Tennessee Valley gripped in deep freeze

HUNTSVILLE – The local and regional news cycle can currently be found on the back of a shampoo bottle – rinse and repeat.

Following the weeklong pattern that developed in the aftermath of a crippling weather system that brought snow and sleet to put an icy film on roads, many of the region’s schools, municipal services and businesses have been closed and that trend continues today.

Bitterly cold temperatures continue to menace the Tennessee Valley, hindering attempts to clear roadways and make daily operations difficult. That scenario will continue despite a brief respite from the bone-chilling weather.

Also, schools and municipalities throughout the 256 Today coverage area remain closed. A few private schools as well as Alabama A&M, Athens State, Calhoun, Northwest Shoals and UAH are holding remote classes.

Redstone Arsenal and the Marshall Space Flight Center have also closed today, except for essential personnel.

A combined news release from the cities of Huntsville and Madison, and Madison County stated:

“Slightly warmer temperatures will cause a partial thaw on Thursday, but another blast of arctic air will bring a potential refreeze of precipitation on roadways. To that end, Madison County Commission Chair Mac McCutcheon, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Paul Finley will close government operations through Thursday.”

Court functions, government offices, services, trash collection and transit operations will not operate until further notice. Access paratransit is working to continue transporting dialysis patients.

The three leaders credited ongoing collaborative efforts between numerous public and private entities working around the clock to keep the community warm and safe.

“From hospital to utility workers, HEMSI and paratransit, police, sheriff’s deputies, fire and rescue, public works crews and ALDOT, general services, community shelters and volunteers – it takes all these partners coming together in difficult circumstances,” Battle said. “We appreciate their effort and everyone’s patience as we get through the next few days.”

Madison County officials urged residents to place their green trash container at the roadside and be patient. It will be collected as soon as the roads are clear for our crews to safely travel. Both Huntsville and Madison have also asked their residents to place trash in bins as they normally would and to expect delays.

Athens and Decatur officials also said their offices will be closed today. Decatur’s recycling and garbage collection will not take place but the Athens Sanitation Department will evaluate road conditions and decide mid-morning about running routes.

Visit the agencies’, cities’ and counties’ respective social media channels for updates on road conditions, public services, warming centers and other important weather-related information.