NWS anticipated ‘dusting,’ not widespread black ice

HUNTSVILLE — As North Alabama continues to recover from Monday’s ice event, the National Weather Service office in Huntsville said several factors contributed to the region’s widespread hazardous road conditions.

“A light dusting of snow was forecast in the daytime hours, up to half an inch,” said Andrew Pritchett, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in Huntsville. “This occurred over ground that was still frozen from the Arctic air that was in place since (Dec. 22).

“So, even though the snow was the light – we didn’t have any observed snowfall that went above half an inch, in fact, many places didn’t even have a quarter of an inch, barely enough to coat your car – it all stuck.”

He said the early afternoon snow helped lower above-freezing temperatures.

“It fell during a time of day even though temps were above freezing early in the day,” Pritchett said. “When it started precipitating, it actually cooled temperatures back below freezing.

“Once the we lost the sun, it led to a lot more widespread black ice than was previously thought.”

At 1:20 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service in Huntsville posted light snow flurries were being reported but “widespread travel issues are not expected.”

An hour later, the office issued a Winter Weather Advisory.

Pritchett said this is the beginning of possible winter weather events for the region and stressed the value of being prepared.

“Taking the time to making an emergency preparedness kit for your car in case you encounter unexpected conditions you will be prepared for that,” said Pritchett. “You can include coats, blankets and food and water in your vehicle.”

Pritchett said patience equals safety.

“In situations where travel is becoming hazardous, its’s important to stay home if you can, if you have to be on the roads, plan a lot for extra time to reach your destination,” he said.  “Often times, if we just take a little more time we can all get there safely.”