Much of the Black Belt is under a winter storm watch or warning from Monday through Wednesday as an arctic blast of cold temperatures and possible snow approach.

The winter storm warning started at 4:20 a.m. Monday and continues through Wednesday at 6 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. The warning is for Barbour, Bullock, Dallas, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Pike, and Russell counties.

A winter storm watch is in effect from the same timeframe for Autauga, Bibb, Chambers, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Lee, Perry, Randolph, Sumter, and Tallapoosa counties.

The National Weather Service says heavy mixed precipitation is possible with total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze possible from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night in portions of south central and southwest Alabama, northwest Florida, and southeast Mississippi.

The National Weather Service is warning the cold temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of subfreezing temperatures could cause pipes to burst.NWS reports to plan on slippery road conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, as well as the commute on Wednesday. They recommend to use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Also to keep pets indoors as much as possible, make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors and ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
To prevent freezing and possible bursting of pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.

See the Alabama Emergency Management report from Monday morning here.

Updated Jan. 20 at 10:50 a.m. The Black Belt News Network will continue to update this report as more winter advisories are issued. 

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