Mixed bag of weather expected today

NORTH ALABAMA - The Tennessee Valley today is expected to live up to its reputation for diversity in its weather.

Heavy rain and winds gusting to more than 25 mph were expected overnight and early today with snow possible this afternoon.

An approaching cold air mass from the north could combine with a wet weather system expected to develop in the Gulf of Mexico to create snow in central and north Alabama.

"It's going to come down to how much moisture exists in our area when the cold air arrives," said Brian Carcione, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Huntsville. "Right now, the forecast models are showing the moisture exiting just before the cold air arrives. That could change if the cold air arrives sooner than expected."

Forecasters do not expect the snow to create widespread travel problems around the Shoals as the ground temperature will be too warm for significant accumulations on roadways. Up to an inch of snow is possible on grassy surfaces around the Shoals.

Travel problems could develop south of the Shoals, where up to 3 inches of snow are possible in Marion and Winston counties.

While the snow is not expected to create major problems for motorists around the Shoals, flooding could hamper travel.

With heavy rain expected late Wednesday and early today, creeks and streams already swollen from Tuesday night's rainfall could spill over their banks.

Mike Melton, director of the Colbert County Emergency Management Agency, said some low-lying roads were briefly covered with water as more than 4 inches of rain fell in some Shoals communities Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

"We had a little flooding in our typical areas, but nothing too bad," Melton said.

Roy Gober, EMA director in Franklin County, and Ken Allamel, county engineer in Lauderdale, also reported scattered road flooding, but no major damage.

After temperatures fall into the upper 20s tonight, a warm-up is expected with sunny skies and a high temperature around 50 degrees Saturday.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@TimesDaily.com.