Alabama Schools Close Ahead of Winter Storm

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Multiple school districts across Alabama have announced closures for Friday, January 10, 2025, as a winter storm threatens to bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the region. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories, with meteorologists predicting significant impacts, particularly in northern Alabama.

WVTM 13 meteorologists have declared Friday and Saturday as ‘Alert Days,’ warning of potentially life-threatening conditions. Jason Simpson, chief meteorologist at WVTM 13, emphasized the severity of the storm, stating, ‘This will be an impactful storm for most of North Alabama, with travel becoming difficult to impossible in some areas.’

School systems across the state, including Birmingham City Schools, Hoover City Schools, and Cullman County Schools, have opted for e-learning days or full closures. Universities such as the University of Montevallo have also canceled classes. Local governments, including the City of Anniston and Oxford, have suspended non-emergency services.

The storm is expected to begin late Thursday night, with heavy snow and sleet moving eastward by early Friday morning. Northern Alabama, including Huntsville and Gadsden, could see 3 to 6 inches of snow, while central areas like Birmingham may experience a mix of sleet and freezing rain. Simpson noted, ‘The Birmingham metro area is unlikely to see significant snow accumulation, but northern counties will face substantial impacts.’

Residents are urged to stay updated on weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. Warming shelters have been opened in several counties to assist those in need. For the latest updates, visit WVTM 13’s website or follow local news outlets.