Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday declared a State of Emergency ahead of what is expected to be a serious winter weather threat Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has forecast ice, snow, sleet and freezing rain for the entire state along with prolonged temperatures below freezing. The combination could be perilous for travelers.
Snow in Auburn is expected to begin early Tuesday evening with light accumulation, but the forecast could change. At this time classes have not been canceled and the University expects normal operations to continue.
Winter Weather Advisory for Auburn area from 6am CT Tues, 1/16, to 6am CT Wed, 1/17. Snow in Auburn area expected to begin in early evening Tues with little accumulation. Forecast subject to change. No impacts to normal operations expected. Will continue to monitor/post updates. https://t.co/Il0UC6K34N
— AU Campus Safety (@AuburnSafety) January 15, 2018
Auburn City Schools will be open Tuesday but the system is still determining opening for Wednesday, Jan. 17.
The State of Emergency will take effect 6 p.m. Monday and will allow for the mobilization of the state Emergency Operations Plan and the Emergency Management Agency Emergency Operations Center.
The emergency declaration makes it unlawful for any person to engage in price gouging and eases federal transportation regulations to allow for easier delivery of supplies, goods and services.
The National Weather Service has already upgraded a watch to a winter weather advisory for Tuesday, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is urging drivers to avoid roadways during wintry-weather events.
Auburn is forecast to receive winter weather beginning between 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Impacts of winter precipitation like snow, sleet or freezing rain could be made more severe because of temperatures expected to be in the 20s.
Snow or sleet melting on roads could then re-freeze, leading to hazardous and dangerous travel conditions.
Auburn is included in a "significant" impact area, which includes much of the rest of the state.
The snow event is the second major winter weather event for Auburn this year. The city was blanketed with light snow Dec. 8 and 9.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
