The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is preparing for snow and sleet to reach parts of north and central Alabama on Wednesday morning.

ALDOT began pretreatment today of interstates, bridges, and mountainside roads and other routine problem areas in northern Alabama counties. Additional priority routes may be pretreated as time permits and depending on area forecasts. Following the onset of winter weather late tonight or early Wednesday, ALDOT crews will stand ready to respond to snow and ice on roadways.

Crews will also be poised to respond to developing conditions in parts of central Alabama, where predicted threats include light snow, sleet and freezing rain.

Risk of subsequent ‘black ice’
Extremely low temperatures Wednesday night through Friday morning may cause any precipitation remaining on pavements to refreeze, posing a hazard of icy roadways and patches of “black ice.”

Motorists should monitor local weather reports and check ALGOTraffic.com or download the ALGOTraffic app for real-time road reports. If hazardous road conditions develop, avoid travel if possible. Travelers should exercise caution, particularly in higher elevations, on bridges and overpasses, and on routes that are heavily shaded or otherwise shielded from sun and wind.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

ALDOT urges motorists to take extra precautions when driving in winter weather conditions such as snow and sleet. Here are some important safety tips:

Slow down: Reduce your speed and increase your following distance, allowing extra room to stop. Plan additional travel time to reach your destination.
Be aware of black ice: Bridges and overpasses are particularly susceptible to black ice, which is a thin, invisible layer of ice.
Avoid sudden braking and steering: These actions can cause your vehicle to lose control.
Turn on your headlights: This will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
Avoid using cruise control on icy roads: This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you hydroplane.
Watch for workers: Be aware of emergency personnel and crews treating and clearing roadways.
Move crashed vehicles: In the event of a minor crash, safely move vehicles off the roadway if possible to maintain access for first responders and treatment crews. Do not abandon vehicles in travel lanes.