Winter weather causes issues across The Shoals

The state of Alabama experienced a little bit of everything when it came to the weather over the weekend.

Snow and ice fell across northwest Alabama, leaving many residents of The Shoals cooped up for much of Friday through Monday.

Areas in southeast Alabama saw severe thunderstorms, with even an apparent tornado hitting Geneva just above the Florida state line.

Cherokee High School had some trees down, but no real storm damage was reported in Colbert County.

However, ice accumulation was a concern for much of the weekend.

Though snow fell the morning of Saturday, Jan. 24, the afternoon quickly gave way to rain.

As temperatures dropped below freezing, leftover moisture from long periods of precipitation turned into black ice and caused travel issues.

The Colbert County Emergency Management Agency issued an impassable travel advisory on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m.

According to Colbert EMA, all county roads and bridges were considered impassable.

Members of the public were advised to consider travel suspended or delayed.

The agency said multiple traffic accidents had occurred on Highway 43 as of Sunday evening, with multiple vehicles ending up in ditches.

At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Colbert EMA reported icy and slick roadways throughout Colbert County and to avoid travel unless “absolutely necessary.”

Ice was still an issue in several places as of Monday morning, and Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia all closed government buildings for the day, including the Colbert County Courthouse.

Due to the potentially hazardous conditions, all schools in the county were closed on Monday and Tuesday, including Northwest Shoals Community College.

Colbert EMA did not lift the travel advisory until 3 p.m. Monday, though drivers were reminded to remain cautious while out on the roads, because some areas could still be iced over.

“I would like to take a moment to recognize the two teams who worked through the weekend during this winter weather event. They stayed close by — and some even camped out at the building — to ensure the citizens of Colbert County had assistance whenever they needed it,” Colbert County 911 posted to social media.

“These individuals made significant personal sacrifices, leaving their families, including their children, for days and nights because of their dedication and passion for this work.

“Thank you to our incredible Day and Night Shifts: Haley Hale, Jerrica Scott, Katrina Jajko, Aaliyah Nesome, Tiffany Oliver, Josh Puckett, Myranda McGuire, and Austin Smith. Your commitment does not go unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for each of you, and we also thank your families for their understanding and support as you served our community.”

Colbert County EMA posted, “We extend our appreciation to the dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, public works, and utility crews who worked tirelessly during the recent winter weather event and that continue to work throughout Colbert County.

“Your commitment and service does not go unnoticed. Thank you for answering the call —no matter the conditions.”