The National Weather Service issued the following special weather warning on Thursday at 1:38 p.m.:

“An arctic cold front will move across central Alabama tonight, allowing temperatures to plummet into the teens and 20s. A mixture of rain and frozen precipitation ahead of and along this front will end this evening from west to east. Moisture remaining on area roadways, bridges and overpasses will freeze, causing travel difficulties. Black ice and slick spots will be possible. The greatest potential for ice will be on elevated surfaces and poor drainage areas. Anyone traveling should exercise extra caution.”

The National Weather Service also issued the following hard freeze warning for this area:

“A hard freeze warning is in effect from 3 to 9 a.m. on Friday. A hard freeze warning means that conditions are imminent for a hazardous freezing event in and close to the warning area. Check on anyone who you think may not have adequate heating, especially the elderly and those with young children. Make sure any exposed pipes are wrapped in insulation, especially water pipes. Let faucets drip a little. Although this wastes water, it may prevent freeze damage. Know how to shut off the water coming into the house. As a last resort, you may have to shut off this main valve and drain all the pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting. Take extra precautions to make sure outdoor pets have adequate warmth or bring them indoors and make sure their water supply remains unfrozen.”