Skip to main content.
Trees covered in snow and ice

Winter Weather

Even in Alabama, we get ice storms caused by prolonged periods of freezing rain. On occasion, we also get snow storms. When either happens, they can wreak havoc and paralyze the state. Travel becomes dangerous, electric service may be disrupted, and water pipes can freeze and burst. Know what to do to stay warm and safe when a winter storm hits.

Alabama Power restoring power in snow and ice

Tips to Remember

  • Avoid being on the roads.
  • Outdoor pets should be brought inside. 
  • Stay indoors as much as possible. If you absolutely must go outside, keep the duration of your trips short.
  • Keep an emergency supply kit in your car if you cannot avoid driving. Be extra careful driving and remain aware of your surroundings. 
  • DO NOT use a stove to supply heat for your home. Likewise, do not use outdoor grills, gas/propane heaters or generators indoors. 
  • DO NOT use generators indoors. Plug appliances directly into your generator. DO NOT plug your generator into your household’s electrical wiring. Learn more generator safety tips
  • Stay away from downed lines and DO NOT pull tree limbs off downed power lines or make repairs to Alabama Power equipment. Call 1-800-888-2726 and wait for help.

Learn the Lingo

Knowing the following terms will help you better prepare for when a winter storm does happen.  

  • OUTLOOK – Alerts the public to the possibility of winter storm conditions, typically issued 3-5 days prior to a storm.

  • WATCH – Alerts the public to the possibility of winter storm conditions, issued 12-48 hours before the storm.

  • ADVISORY – The winter storm conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous, but if caution is exercised, they should not become life-threatening.

  • WARNING – Hazardous weather is occurring or imminent. Warnings are usually issued 12-24 hours prior to a winter storm beginning.

  • WIND CHILL – The cooling effect of wind on exposed skin. The wind chill factor is what your body feels the temperature is, not the actual temperature. Your body’s temperature cools as the wind removes the heat surrounding it. Knowing the wind chill factor can help you determine how long it will take before your exposed skin is susceptible to frostbite.
Get Outage Alerts

Know When Your Power Goes Out

As part of our commitment to safely delivering reliable power, we created outage alerts. Now you can have real-time outage information about your property sent to you directly. Learn how to receive personalized outage alerts via text, email or phone call.

Get Outage Alerts
Emergency Cross icon

Build Your Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare for inclement weather and a potential storm outage with our list of supplies, designed to get you through three days without electricity or running water.

Learn More
Generator icon

Protect Against Hazards from Generators

Know the dangers caused by generators - carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, electric shock - and how to prevent them from happening to you.

Learn More