With winter weather expected to impact North Alabama this weekend, Limestone County officials are urging residents to prepare early and prioritize safety as forecasts point to icy conditions and dangerously cold temperatures.
County Commission Chairman Collin Daly, Emergency Management Agency Director Eddie Gilbert, and County Engineer Marc Massey outlined preparedness plans during a weather briefing this week, emphasizing proactive steps both the county and residents should take ahead of the storm.
“This is about preparedness and safety,” Daly said. “Check on your elderly neighbors, check on your pets, make sure everyone has food, water, and heating supplies. We want people thinking ahead, not waiting until the last minute.”
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. According to the Limestone County Emergency Management Agency, the system is expected to bring a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, creating hazardous travel conditions and increasing the risk of power outages. Overnight temperatures could drop into the teens or lower.
Daly said county departments, municipalities, first responders, and medical partners are coordinating ahead of the storm to ensure resources and personnel are ready if conditions worsen.
“We’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the least,” Daly said. “The goal is to be proactive instead of reactive.”
Gilbert encouraged residents to use official county resources to stay informed and prepare their households.
“Our website has a wealth of information on how to get ready and what to do once the storm arrives,” Gilbert said. “There’s no need to panic, but this is the time to prepare.”
County Engineer Marc Massey said road crews are already preparing equipment and materials to address icy conditions.
“We’re servicing our equipment and preparing brine so we can pretreat roadways ahead of accumulation,” Massey said. “Based on current forecasts, we anticipate beginning pretreatment Friday evening into Saturday morning, starting in the northwest portion of the county.”
Massey asked residents to stay off the roads once pretreatment begins to allow the brine to work effectively as precipitation starts.
EMA officials recommend residents assemble an emergency kit with at least three days of nonperishable food, water, medications, warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Vehicles should also be stocked with essentials in case drivers become stranded.
Officials also stressed heating safety, urging residents to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable and to never use grills, generators, or stoves indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
During the storm, residents are advised to limit travel, dress in layers if going outside, and check on neighbors who may need assistance, particularly the elderly and those with special needs. Pets should be brought indoors.
County officials said updates will continue as forecasts become clearer in the coming days.
“Please stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe,” Daly said.
For preparedness resources and updates, residents can visit the Limestone County Emergency Management Agency website.
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