Dangerously cold temperatures are expected to settle in tonight over most of the state. A winter storm watch has been issued for south Alabama and lower central Alabama starting Tuesday. Precipitation—snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a wintry mix—will begin in southwest Alabama Tuesday morning and continue through the day, moving eastward.

While winter weather is rare this far south, models are showing the likelihood of snow and other wintry precipitation has increased.

Weather forecasters say a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow will enter West Alabama shortly after midnight Thursday.

Many public and private schools throughout North Alabama and southern Tennessee are closing Friday due to the threat of winter weather.

Due to snow and significant temperature drops expected this week, Elmore County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 21 and 22. "After consulting with the Elmore County EMA all Elmore County Schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to the wintery weather forecasted for Central Alabama,

Schools in the Pine Belt have started announcing schedule changes for the upcoming week due to the approaching winter weather.

: Superintendent Jim Norton announced Gulf District Schools and offices will also be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Officials have announced school closures ahead of a potential winter storm.