Birmingham, AL – Storms dumped more than 3 inches of rain across north Alabama Thursday ahead of a cold air blast that brought an early, light snow to some areas.
At least 10 school systems dismissed students early because of the possibility of flooding or snow, and many delayed the start of classes on Friday in case roads were slick. Forecasters say travel problems are unlikely.
The heaviest rains fell in northwest Alabama from Interstate 65 west to the Mississippi line. Overnight rainfall totals of 2 inches were common, and the National Weather Service says several counties received more than 3 inches of rain.
Forecasters issued flash flood watches and warnings for the northern two-thirds of the state, and three Madison County schools had to dismiss students early because rising water in low-lying, rural areas threatened to cover roads.
Rain turned to light snow during the late afternoon in parts of west Alabama north of Interstate 20/59, covering grassy areas with a white blanket.
Meteorologist Jason Wright said accumulations of 1 or 2 inches of snow were possible east of Birmingham, and areas to the northwest could get 3 to 4 inches of snow, and even more in isolated spots.
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