Huntsville applies safety measures ahead of winter threats

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As winter approaches and cold temperatures loom, the City of Huntsville is taking proactive steps to safeguard the well-being and security of its community members. With projections indicating temperatures dropping into the teens on Monday and Tuesday nights, the city is not just preparing for potential snow flurries but also focusing on mitigating their impact on road conditions while offering shelter options for those in need.

In light of the National Weather Service's advisory warning of possible snow flurries from Sunday night through Tuesday, the City of Huntsville is closely monitoring road conditions. The Public Works department stands ready to mobilize their crews and employ appropriate materials in case of reported black ice incidents.

Chris McNeese, the director of Public Works, emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant. While the city is not currently anticipating significant precipitation and is hopeful that road conditions remain clear, continuous weather and road monitoring will be conducted in collaboration with Huntsville Police to ensure a prompt response if necessary.

For individuals seeking refuge from the biting cold, three warming centers will be made available. The Downtown Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and The Livin’ Room will offer shelter at the specified locations:

Downtown Rescue Mission

Location: 1400 Evangel Drive NW

Open 24/7

Salvation Army

Location: 305 Seminole Drive

Day Shelter: January 15 – 17; Operating hours: 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Overnight Shelter: January 15 – 21; Operating hours: 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Livin’ Room

Location: 2820 Governors Drive

Operating hours: From January 15 at 4 p.m. until January 17

Transportation services to the warming centers will be provided by Huntsville police on January 15, while public transit will be available throughout the week.

Virgie Graham, the Animal Services Chief for the City, also emphasizes the significance of bringing pets indoors during the cold weather. If bringing them indoors is not feasible, Graham advises bringing them inside for brief periods to warm up. Pet owners are reminded to regularly check on their outdoor pets, ensuring that they have access to unfrozen water and providing fresh food to ensure their safety.