As the state prepares for a winter storm this weekend, some weather watchers on social media are predicting snow next weekend.
Some models are showing another major snowstorm in the deep south parts of Alabama over the next 7-10 days. However, weather experts warn this information is not reliable.
South Alabama meteorologist Spinks Megginson, with RedZone Weather, called the predictions a “dumpster fire” and said model data at this point is unreliable.
“As I have cautioned time and time again over the last few days, the skill to forecast snow simply does not exist across the Deep South more than 2-3 days out,” Megginson said. “This is a classic situation where the American-based GFS has been extremely aggressive, showing a major snowstorm locally. The ECMWF/Euro, however, quite seriously shows sunshine and mild temperatures. Both models have performed extremely poorly over the last few days ahead of the big ice storm issues to our north.”
Megginson said it is important to wait for more data before forecasting snow.
In the meantime, we have enough data for serious winter weather impacting the state. A flash freeze in north Alabama has multiple roadways frozen over. Drivers are urged to stay off the roadways.
Freezing rain and sleet covered northern parts of Alabama Saturday, but snow was falling north, in Tennessee.
Meteorologists said cold air moving into the state this weekend will stick around for over a week, with temperatures dropping into the 20s and wind chill values in the 10s, even in south Alabama and northwest Florida.
Severe weather is expected in south Alabama on Sunday.
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