Schools, city delay openings

On Jan. 20, Madison County Schools and Madison Academy will delay classes by three hours. Madison City Schools will not delay classes. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Due to a high probability of ice in some areas of the county, Madison County Schools and Madison Academy will operate on a three-hour delay on Jan. 20.

Madison City Hall and Dublin Park will open at 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 20.

Campuses of Madison City Schools will start at normal times. Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler posted the following statement to parents:

“Dear Parents. The National Weather Service (NWS) has our area under a winter weather advisory. At their latest briefing, NWS indicated we could receive a trace amount of freezing rain or sleet after 6 a.m. tomorrow (Jan. 20). If it does occur, the freezing precipitation is expected to be sporadic and light for our area,” Fowler said.

“Temperatures will go above freezing during the day, so the event should be short-lived,” Fowler said.

“At this time, we anticipate a normal start to our school day. We will work with the Madison Police Department, Emergency Management Agency and NWS to monitor the situation overnight and throughout the morning. Any changes to the school schedule will be announced on the local media and on our website (madisoncity.k12.al.us),” Fowler said.

“As always, if you ever feel conditions are unsafe for you or your child to drive, please stay home until conditions improve. Your child’s school will work with you regarding a late arrival due to weather,” Fowler said.

NWS’ Huntsville office has issued an advisory for Madison, Limestone, Jackson, DeKalb and Lauderdale counties. The advisory for Jan. 20 starts at 3 a.m. and continues until noon.

The weather service stated that .5 to one inch of snow and sleet may fall before the precipitation changes to freezing rain. One-tenth (.1) inch of ice may accumulate.

Locations north of the Tennessee River should receive the most accumulation. After noon on Jan. 20, precipitation should change to rain.