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City of Huntsville addresses winter weather impacts, road conditions, delayed openings

Published on January 25, 2026

Dangerously cold temperatures, subzero wind chills and lingering moisture on the roads are expected to impact travel and business operations on Monday morning.

A major concern is black ice, particularly in higher elevations and anywhere standing water occurs.

“We’ll be driving around, expecting to find ice, so we can close roads before accidents happen,” said Sgt. Chris Jackson, Public Information Officer, Huntsville Police Department. “If you must travel, take your time and proceed with extreme caution. It is about getting somewhere safely, not on time.”

Man in a police uniform stands at a podium speaking to reportersSgt. Chris Jackson, Huntsville Police Public Information Officer, cautions the public to proceed with caution on the roads Monday morning. “Take it easy because when it does start to turn into ice, you’re not going to see it. And that’s when the wrecks are going to happen.”

Police work closely with Public Works crews to determine which roads need to be closed and need treatment.

“We have 75 to 80 personnel who will be working overnight through tomorrow to treat roads and overpasses with gravel and higher-elevated roadways with salt,” Public Works Director Chris McNeese said. “Now that the heavy rain has stopped, we’re working to treat roads before the cold temperatures hit later this evening.”

Huntsville-Madison County EMA Director Jeff Birdwell cautioned residents to watch for ice on sidewalks, steps and parking lots and to protect themselves from the cold temperatures.

“Roads are not the only problem. An icy step or sidewalk will probably cost you a trip to the hospital,” Birdwell said. “Please be aware of those conditions. Do not go outside if you don’t have to. If you do have to be outside, dress appropriately.”

The City has partnered with its Continuum of Care providers to mobilize four warming centers across the community.

“Over 375 individuals were sheltered on Saturday night. We encourage anyone who does not have a home equipped with a sufficient, safe heat source to seek shelter,” Community Development Manager Scott Erwin said. “We want to make sure those without the appropriate resources have somewhere to go.”

Delayed openings

Huntsville City Hall and municipal offices will delay opening until 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, due to impacts from this weekend’s winter weather event and potential hazardous road conditions.

  • Huntsville Transit: Orbit and Access will delay routes until 11 a.m. but will monitor road conditions and update the public as needed on the City’s Winter Weather Alerts webpage.
  • Garbage Collection: Garbage collection will remain as scheduled; however, please anticipate delays in collection. Residents should place their trash cans curbside and leave them there until crews can pick them up.
  • Municipal Court: Municipal Court will delay opening until 10 a.m. Any hearings scheduled prior to 10 a.m. will be rescheduled at a later date.

Warming shelters

The City and Continuum of Care partners will operate warming centers through Tuesday, Jan. 27, until temperatures rise above freezing.

Huntsville Transit will provide transportation to warming centers during operating hours. If Transit is unavailable, those needing a ride should call the Huntsville Police Department’s non-emergency number at 256-722-7100.

Road treatment and conditions

EMA and Huntsville Police will work throughout the night to respond to emergency situations.

Public Works will address bridges, overpasses and higher elevations maintained by the City of Huntsville.

If a road is closed, it is illegal to bypass a barrier. Elevated roadways, such as overpasses on Memorial Parkway or the Interstate 565/Memorial Parkway interchange, are typically the first roads affected by winter weather.

Remember the 4 Ps: People, pets, plants and pipes

Remember to protect your people, pets, plants and pipes during dangerously cold temperatures.

  • Prepare a go-kit for your vehicle.
  • Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors.
  • Bring pets indoors or provide extra shelter, blankets and food.
  • Make sure pipes are properly insulated. Keep water dripping to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Cover your plants or bring them inside.

Winter weather updates

To help residents stay informed, the City has activated its winter weather communications webpage:

  • Residents are encouraged to sign up for City Alerts to receive updates by text or email
  • The Winter Weather Alerts webpage serves as a one-stop location for information during any winter weather event
  • For real-time road closures, road conditions, and public safety updates, follow the Huntsville Police Department and the City of Huntsville on X and Facebook

For more information on winter weather services and resources, visit the Winter Weather Alerts webpage.

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