According to the National Weather Service, a mixture of rain and snow is expected to begin around 7 p.m. Thursday night, turning to snow around midnight. The snow is forecast to last until around 1:30 Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a winter storm warning in effect from midnight to 6 p.m. Friday. According to the warning, areas west of Interstate 65 will likely experience the heaviest accumulation between 7 and 11 a.m. It is expecting 3 to 5 inches of snow.

A winter storm warning means that severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring, and that significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Those who must travel are encouraged to carry a flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of emergency.