Those living in Chilton County could see snow flurries during the day on Tuesday with the possibility of up to 1 inch of snow accumulation.

“Right now we are looking at another arctic blast of cold air hitting parts of the state,” said Matt Anderson with the National Weather Service in Calera. “Chilton County is on the borderline of how much accumulation will happen. There is a very sharp cutoff for this system and Chilton County is on the border.”

Anderson said snow is expected to start falling for the area between 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday with heavier snow falling between noon and 6 p.m.

“The heavier stuff is going to be in the afternoon,” Anderson said. “It won’t be falling heavy the whole time, but the afternoon hours will be when the snow is coming through the area.”

Anderson said temperatures are only expected to reach 30 degrees during the daytime on Tuesday and between 16 and 17 degrees Tuesday night.

“If the snow accumulates in Chilton County during the day on Tuesday then you will have the risk of ice,” Anderson said. “Whatever falls during the day on Tuesday will not go away because the temperatures are not going to warm up.”

Anderson said precipitation should not be a problem for those living in Shelby County but the line from Chilton County to South Alabama does indicate the possibility of accumulation on Tuesday.

“At this point it is hard to tell where the cutoff of accumulation is going to be,” Anderson said. “Chilton County could see a few flurries and Autauga County get the accumulation, but we are not expecting anything more than a dusting in places north of Chilton County.”

Temperatures on Wednesday will not climb above freezing with daytime highs expected to be around 32 degrees and overnight lows will stay in the 16-17 degree range.

Anderson said temperatures should go above freezing on Thursday with highs in the low 40s on Thursday.

“The cold air is here to stay for a few days,” Anderson said. “We are continuing to get these cold arctic air masses that deliver very cold temperatures.”

Road conditions

Winter storm forecasts for portions of Alabama may result in icy roads causing hazardous driving conditions.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety and the Alabama Department of Transportation strongly encourage all motorists to drive with extreme caution and to avoid roadways when weather conditions are prohibitive, particularly early in the morning as bridges may contain icy patches.

ALDOT reminds motorists they may check the conditions of Alabama’s state and federal highways on the “Road Conditions” page on ALDOT’s website, www.dot.state.al.us.

The public may also check ALDOT’s Traffic Information and Cameras page for additional information on traffic delays, construction projects and other highway conditions from the ALDOT home page.

ALDOT is making preparations and mobilizing personnel and resources across portions of the state which may be affected, to respond to icy bridge/road conditions and other adverse impacts from the approaching winter storm.

ALDOT will monitor roadway conditions and will make every attempt to keep highways passable and as safe for travel as possible.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor local news for information on weather conditions and frequently check road conditions and travel advisories.

To report traffic crashes or others emergencies to state troopers, motorists with cell phones may dial *HP (*47) toll-free.

If driving becomes necessary, motorists should use caution and remain alert for work zones, highway maintenance personnel and emergency vehicles.

Motorists also are reminded to obey Alabama’s “move over” law.

In addition, state troopers have offered the following tips to help ensure safe winter travel:

•Avoid travel, if possible, when icy or other extremely hazardous driving conditions develop.

•Keep vehicles in good operating condition. Check antifreeze levels and use windshield washer solution suitable for freezing weather conditions. Keep gas tanks at least half full.

•Remember weather and roadway conditions may change quickly. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions, and be alert to changing weather and the possibility of icy, slippery roads.

•Pay particular attention to bridges and overpasses, which have a tendency to develop extremely hazardous “black ice.”

•During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.

•Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, a charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.