MONTGOMERY, Ala.– Governor Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency on Thursday, ahead of an expected round of wintry and icy weather across North Alabama.

The proclamation covers 19 northern counties: Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker and Winston.

Ivey urged residents to stay weather aware, citing concerns about potentially dangerous driving conditions. The state of emergency is effective immediately to allow state resources to be positioned in advance of impacts.

Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Smitherman said crews have prepared extensively, with resources pre-staged and local EMAs coordinating plans to respond quickly if conditions worsen.