The first significant winter storm of the year threatens Alabama with heavy snow, a coating of ice, and dangerously cold weather. A State of Emergency and a Winter Storm Warning have been issued as Alabama prepares for winter weather.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are reporting roads covered with ice and snow across north Alabama: Limestone County — All roads are covered with snow. Lawrence County — All roads are covered with snow and ice and are impassable at this time.

Alabama is gearing up for winter weather. Forecasters say moisture coming from the Gulf of Mexico and cold temperatures from the west could combine here to create freezing rain, snow, and ice. The cold conditions could hit from the Tennessee Valley to the central part of the state.