In preparation for Winter Storm Cora, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is ramping up its preparation efforts in advance of the approaching cold air mass. ALDOT crews began pretreatment on select routes in some areas of the state Tuesday and pretreatments continued today and will expand across much of the state Thursday.

Roadway pretreatments will depend on forecasted area impacts, with prioritization of major routes. Types of weather threats anticipated include snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain. While snow accumulation is primarily expected in the north and central parts of the state, low air and roadway temperatures may cause any precipitation to freeze on pavements, creating icy roadways and patches of black ice.

Following the onset of winter weather, ALDOT will respond to snow and ice on roadways as needed. The focus of operations in the immediate aftermath of the storm will be on providing a single passable lane for emergency travel on major arteries. Crews will treat and plow priority routes before addressing secondary routes.

If hazardous road conditions develop as predicted, motorists should avoid travel if possible. Conditions are currently expected to remain treacherous throughout the weekend. Anyone who must travel should exercise great caution, particularly in higher elevations, on bridges and overpasses, and on routes that are heavily shaded or otherwise shielded from sun and wind