Early Tuesday afternoon, all Lee County roads were declared impassable. Pictured above, the fountain at Opelika’s Courthouse Square was frozen over as snow began to stick to surfaces. images of Auburn University students frolicking on Samford Lawn (broadcast via the webcam at Toomer’s Corner) were being featured nationally on The Weather Channel as meteorologiests documented the rare Deep South snow event. PHOTO BY EMILY KEY FOR THE OBSERVER

Bitter cold overnight temps predicted through the week

BY ANITA STIEFEL
MANAGING EDITOR

LEE COUNTY — On Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham issued a Winter Storm Warning for Lee, Lowndes, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Russell, Pike and Barbour counties.
NWS sent out an urgent winter weather message: “Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to three inches. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Very cold temperatures and snowfall could cause hazardous travel conditions into Wednesday afternoon.”
Temperatures in Lee County were predicted to drop as low as 15 degrees overnight Tuesday.
“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible,” the NWS statement read.
Sub-freezing temperatures are predicted to continue, with lows in the 20s overnight through the weekend. Beginning Monday and continuing next week, overnight temperatures will warm back up above the freezing mark.

Pictured above, left, The Observer would like to thank everyone who generously dropped off food and supplies to assist their fellow citizens obtain refuge from the storm. Axe Marks the Spot owner Emily Key, left, opened her downtown Opelika business as a warming station for those needing a warm place to ride out the winter storm. She is pictured with Pamela Pouncy, center, who donated supplies, and Dorothy Boyers, seated right. PHOTOS BY OBSERVER STAFF