Huntsville ramps up preparations for extreme cold temperatures, potential winter weather

HUNTSVILLE – As temperatures are set to drop significantly next week, the City of Huntsville is preparing for extreme cold and potential winter weather.

The National Weather Service is tracking dangerously low temperatures arriving Monday as an Arctic air mass moves into the area. This cold front may bring light freezing rain and damaging winds, which could lead to downed trees, power outages and an increased risk of cold-related illnesses.

Warming centers

Warming centers will be available at the following locations next week:

• Community Warming Center – The Livin’ Room (2820 Governors Drive SW): Open Tuesday at 4 p.m. to Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. Call 256-427-5400 or email [email protected].
• First Stop (206 Stokes Street SW): Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 256-533-3391.
• Downtown Rescue Mission (1400 Evangel Drive NW): Open 24/7. Call 256-536-2441.
• Salvation Army (305 Seminole Drive SW): Open Monday-Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Call 256-536-9147.

Huntsville Transit will also provide free rides to and from the warming centers. Transit operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If Huntsville Transit is unavailable, Huntsville Police can transport individuals to the warming centers. To request a ride, please call HPD’s non-emergency phone number, 256-722-7100.

Road conditions and alerts

The City of Huntsville Public Works Department, Huntsville Police Department and the Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring icy road conditions and will prepare to treat roads in higher elevations.

Road conditions and closures will be publicized through the City Alert system, local media and City of Huntsville social media. 

The Alabama Department of Transportation monitors state and federal highways, including U.S. 231 (Memorial Parkway), U.S. 72 (University Drive), U.S. 431 (Governors Drive), and Interstate 565. For real-time road conditions, the Alabama Department of Transportation encourages individuals to visit algotraffic.com. 

Cold weather tips    

There are several steps you can take to protect your loved ones, pets and homes ahead of the frigid temperatures:

• Make sure you and your elderly neighbors have a sufficient supply of food, water and medicine.
• Motorists should have at least one/half tank of gas and equip vehicles with blankets, water, snacks and medical supplies. 
• Pets should be brought indoors, if possible. If not, provide them with extra warm bedding, a heat lamp and plenty of food. Be sure their water bowls don’t freeze.
• Leave water dripping from your faucets to prevent frozen/burst pipes.
• Dress warmly, in layers, if going outdoors.