Mayor Battle urges preparedness as Huntsville braces for possible winter weather
Published on January 21, 2026
The City of Huntsville is preparing for a potential winter weather event that may impact roadways. As the City anticipates wintry weather, Mayor Tommy Battle also urges residents to make their own preparations.
“Preparation is always the key to enduring winter weather events,” Mayor Battle said. “The City is organizing resources and planning for different weather scenarios. At the same time, residents need to have everything in order. Make sure you have prescriptions filled for several days and that electronic devices can be charged in the event of a power outage.”
To getting the latest information about road closures and City services, sign up for City Alerts to receive text message updates. Information will also be posted to the City’s social media channels.
Winter weather is expected to impact Huntsville as early as Friday evening and continue through the weekend. Accumulations of snow and ice are possible. Bitterly cold temperatures on Monday and Tuesday will delay the melting of snow or ice, extending the winter weather into the middle of next week.
“We never like to think about the negative impact of winter weather but the City is geared up,” Mayor Battle said. “Roads may be treacherous at times. If you go out, take precautions. Our Public Works department will be stationed throughout the city and working around the clock, but road conditions may deteriorate and closures may be necessary for public safety.”
Check the Winter Weather Alerts webpage for more information and severe weather resources.
The City has invested in recent years in expanding its winter weather road equipment, retrofitting 10 of its 1-ton crew cab trucks with plows and bed mounted spreaders, giving the City a total of 15 trucks that can combat slick roadways.
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 likely to be the first roads to be affected by winter weather.
“There will be consequences for not obeying a road closed barrier,” said Deputy Chief Michael Johnson, who oversees Huntsville Police’s Operations Bureau. “Simply put, it is against the law and that is for your own safety. Our officers will be busy monitoring road conditions to share with the public and assisting drivers in distress.”
As part of its preparations, the City is coordinating with community partners such as Huntsville Utilities and Huntsville Hospital. The City’s continuum of care partners will open warming centers on Friday.
- Community Warming Center – The Livin’ Room (2820 Governors Drive SW): Open Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. Call 256-427-5400 or email rvealeby@nativity-hsv.org
- First Stop (206 Stokes St.): Open Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. Call 256-533-3391
- Downtown Rescue Mission (1400 Evangel Drive NW): Open 24/7. Call 256-536-2441
- Salvation Army (305 Seminole Drive SW): Open Monday-Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Call 256-536-9147
“We have been through weather events like this in the past,” Mayor Battle said. “While the City does its part, let me encourage you to be a good neighbor. Check on those who live near you in case they need assistance. Responding to a small need can make a big difference.”