Forecasters aren’t predicting a winter storm like the one that paralyzed the Tennessee Valley a year ago, but preparations are nonetheless in the works for icy conditions as temperatures are set to drop this week as an Arctic air mass moves into the area.

This cold front, arriving Monday, has the potential to bring light freezing rain and damaging winds, which could lead to downed trees, power outages and an increased risk of cold-related illnesses.

According to the National Weather Service, Monday night there’s a slight chance of snow showers before midnight, then a slight chance of flurries after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Wind chill values between 13 and 18.

Cold temps and chances of precipitation remain through the weekend, where the highest potential for inclement weather exists.

“The time to prepare is now,’’ Jeff Birdwell of Huntsville’s Emergency Management Services told the Huntsville Business Journal. “If something happens and you wait until Friday, it’s too late.’’

The City of Huntsville released a statement saying it’s ramping up in advance of not only the freezing temperatures but extreme winter weather, if it develops.

The Public Works Department, Huntsville Police Department and the Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring icy road conditions and will prepare to treat roads in higher elevations.

If hazardous weather evolves, local road conditions and closures will be publicized through the City Alert system and City of Huntsville social media.

The Alabama Department of Transportation monitors state and federal highways, including U.S. 231 (Memorial Parkway), U.S. 72 (University Drive), U.S. 431 (Governor’s Drive), and Interstate 565.

For real-time road conditions, the Alabama Department of Transportation encourages individuals to visit algotraffic.com.

Warming centers open

Available at the following locations this week:

● Community Warming Center – The Livin’ Room (2820 Governors Drive SW): Open Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. to Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. Call 256-427-5400 or email rvealeby@nativity-hsv.org.
● First Stop (206 Stokes Street SW): Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 256-533-3391.
● Downtown Rescue Mission (1400 Evangel Drive NW): Open 24/7. Call 256-536-2441.
● Salvation Army (305 Seminole Drive SW): Open Monday-Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Call 256-536-9147.

Huntsville Transit free rides

The public transportation system will provide free rides to and from the warming centers.

Transit operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If Huntsville Transit is unavailable, Huntsville Police can transport individuals to the warming centers.

To request a ride, please call HPD’s non-emergency phone number, 256-722- 7100.

Cold weather tips

Protect loved ones, pets and homes ahead of the frigid temperatures:

● Make sure you and your elderly neighbors have a sufficient supply of food, water and medicine.
● Motorists should have at least one/half tank of gas and equip vehicles with blankets, water, snacks and medical supplies.
● Pets should be brought indoors, if possible. If not, provide them with extra warm bedding, a heat lamp and plenty of food. Be sure their water bowls don’t freeze.
● Leave water dripping from your faucets to prevent frozen and burst pipes.
● Dress warmly, in layers, if going outdoors.

For more information about weather information and resources, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov.