Winter Weather System Prompts Emergency Planning in Cherokee County

Local agencies review forecasts, coordinate response plans, and urge residents to stay weather-aware.

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local Weather

CENTRE, Ala. — The Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) convened a winter weather planning meeting Thursday morning, January 22, at the Cherokee County Administrative Building, bringing together local government officials, emergency responders, utility representatives, and department heads to review the latest forecast and coordinate preparedness efforts ahead of a developing weekend weather system.

The meeting opened with a live briefing from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham, where meteorologists provided updated guidance on the approaching system. According to the NWS, recent forecast models indicate a continued decrease in the threat of widespread freezing rain and ice across much of Central Alabama—an improving trend that has emerged over the past several forecast cycles.

Forecasters emphasized that while conditions are not expected to worsen, the threat of hazardous winter weather has not been eliminated. Cherokee County remains within an area where freezing rain and ice accumulation are still possible, particularly on the backside of the system as colder air moves into the region.

The greatest risk for significant ice accumulation continues to be focused on northwestern Alabama; however, forecast models still show the potential for freezing rain in parts of Cherokee County over the weekend. As a result, the existing Winter Storm Watch remains in effect while meteorologists monitor subtle shifts in the storm track and temperature profiles.

For much of Central Alabama, the primary concern is expected to be heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service will be monitoring for localized minor flooding, along with the potential for strong to possibly severe thunderstorms on Sunday. At this time, the tornado threat remains low.

Saturday morning, forecasters expect the main freezing rain threat to remain northwest of Cherokee County, though they cautioned that icing cannot be ruled out entirely. The extent of the threat will depend on how far north warmer air advances and how far south colder air holds—details that should become clearer as higher-resolution forecast models are released closer to the event.

Showers are expected to continue Saturday night. Meteorologists noted that if colder air from the Appalachian region pushes farther south than anticipated, conditions in Cherokee County could become favorable for freezing rain. If warmer air dominates, the county would instead experience periods of moderate to heavy rainfall.

On Sunday, the National Weather Service will continue monitoring the potential for unstable air moving north from the Gulf of America (formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico). Should this occur, thunderstorms may develop, with a limited chance that a few storms could become severe. In Cherokee County, rain could briefly transition to a wintry mix at times, depending on temperature fluctuations.

The most significant concern extends into Sunday night and Monday morning, when a surge of frigid air is expected to move into northeastern Alabama. Temperatures could drop into the single digits, with gusty winds producing dangerously cold wind chills. Even minimal ice accumulation could lead to black ice, as standing water freezes overnight, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Following the weather briefing, Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers addressed local preparedness efforts, stating that agencies are continuing to plan for the possibility of hazardous winter weather despite the improving forecast.

Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers addressing the emergency first responders, local government officials, and utility representatives at the winter weather planning meeting Thursday morning, January 22, at the Cherokee County Administrative Building. (Photo courtesy of TWLN Staff)

“Winter precipitation and freezing rain are still expected in some capacity,” Rogers said. “While the forecast is trending better, we’re continuing to prepare in case conditions change.”

Representatives from local emergency agencies, Cherokee Electric, county leadership, and municipal governments echoed that approach, emphasizing a coordinated “prepare for the worst, hope for the best” strategy.

Officials encouraged residents to take similar precautions, remain weather-aware, and prepare for possible travel impacts, power outages, and dangerously cold conditions.

The Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency and The Weekly Ledger News will continue to closely monitor forecast updates and provide timely information as conditions evolve.

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