SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The National Weather Service has issued multiple cold-weather alerts for portions of east-central and southeastern Alabama, warning of dangerously low wind chills and strong winds through the weekend.
The alerts apply to Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Lee, Russell, Pike, and Barbour counties.
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 12:00 a.m. Friday through 12:00 p.m. Saturday, with wind chills expected to drop as low as four degrees above zero.
A Wind Advisory will be in place from 2:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters expect northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
An Extreme Cold Warning is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. Saturday through 12:00 p.m. Sunday. During that period, wind chills are expected to fall below five degrees, creating dangerous conditions for anyone exposed to the cold.
The National Weather Service said gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects, down trees, and cause isolated power outages. Prolonged exposure to the cold may lead to frostbite or hypothermia, and extended subfreezing temperatures could cause water pipes to burst.
Officials urged residents to secure outdoor items and use caution while driving, especially in high-profile vehicles. People are advised to dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, limit time outdoors, and keep pets inside when possible.
The weather service also recommended checking frequently on elderly neighbors and family members, using portable heaters properly, and never operating generators or grills indoors. To prevent frozen pipes, residents should wrap exposed pipes, drain them, or allow faucets to drip slowly.
