COLD, ICY START: Temperatures are below freezing all the way to the Gulf Coast early this morning. After over two inches of rain over the weekend, and light snow flurries/showers last night, many roads over North Alabama have black ice and are not in good shape. There are some icy spots across South Alabama … just remember as you drive this morning any standing water will most likely be ice. Be very careful.

The week ahead will be cold and mostly dry; some light rain is possible over the far southern counties of the state Friday. Then, another shot of Arctic air arrives over the weekend with lows in the 10–15-degree range over North Alabama Saturday and Sunday morning.

For now there is no sign of any new snow or ice issues for Alabama for the next seven to ten days.

ON THIS DATE IN 1974: An F3 tornado tore through Randolph County in East Alabama. The damage was initially in the Rock Stand area. A barn lost its roof, and trees were downed. In the Tin Shop community, two trailers were destroyed, and a house was damaged.

At the Highway community, two frame houses were destroyed. 9-month-old Bartlett Baldwin was killed. His 6-year-old sister and father were injured. There was a total of seven injuries.

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit the Alabama Weather Network.