The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is actively preparing for a potentially high impact winter weather event this coming weekend. Hazardous conditions, including snow and ice, are expected to develop, and ALDOT is monitoring forecasts and coordinating with our partners in an effort to prepare and respond as effectively as possible.
While forecasts are constantly evolving, this winter storm is expected to bring snow and ice in the form of freezing rain and sleet across much of the northern half of Alabama, with the heaviest snowfall currently expected north of the Tennessee River.
Here’s what you need to know about ALDOT’s preparations and how you can stay safe:
ALDOT’s Winter Weather Preparations
- Monitoring Conditions: ALDOT personnel are actively tracking weather forecasts and roadway conditions, particularly in areas expected to experience the most severe winter weather impacts.
- Pretreatment Plans: Depending on conditions, crews may pretreat roads to minimize ice formation. It is important to note that this is highly dependent on whether rain precedes or accompanies the wintry precipitation, as rain can wash away pretreatment materials.
- Prioritizing Roads: ALDOT prioritizes bridges and interstate highways first, followed by U.S. and state highways based on traffic volume.
Tips for Motorists
ALDOT urges motorists to take extra precautions when driving in winter weather conditions. Here are some important safety tips:
- Avoid travel until conditions improve: Once winter precipitation begins, ALDOT urges motorists to avoid travel during adverse weather and roadway conditions.
- Slow down: If travel cannot be avoided, reduce your speed and increase your following distance, allowing extra room to stop. Plan additional travel time to reach your destination.
- Be aware of black ice: Bridges and overpasses are particularly susceptible to black ice, which is a clear layer of ice that is not visible to drivers.
- Avoid sudden braking and steering: These actions can cause your vehicle to lose control.
- Turn on your headlights: This will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
- Avoid using cruise control on icy roads: This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you hydroplane.
- Watch for workers: Be aware of emergency personnel and crews treating and clearing roadways.
- Move crashed vehicles: In the event of a minor crash, safely move vehicles off the roadway if possible to maintain access for first responders and treatment crews. Do not abandon vehicles in travel lanes.
What’s I-10 traffic like RIGHT NOW? I-10 Real-time traffic information for selected cities along I-10. Maps show updates on road construction, traffic accidents, travel delays and the latest traffic speeds. Traffic cameras show congestion at a glance. Visit I-10 Traffic.
The I-10 Exit Guide is the Internet’s largest and most complete website dedicated to Interstate 10 travelers. Find detailed exit service listings… lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from California to Florida!
On the road? Why not take us with you. The I-10 Exit Guide is mobile-friendly and totally FREE. No App Required.
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, I-80 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
