Vestavia schools CLOSED for winter weather

UPDATED: After the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning Friday morning, Vestavia Hills City Schools decided to close for the day. 

Friday may bring some winter weather to Central Alabama, and with the weather scheduled to move in between 3 and 6 a.m., Vestavia Hills City Schools originally decided to delay opening for two hours before opting to close for the full day.

A winter system could bring between 1 and 2 inches of snow accumulations on Friday, though accumulations are expected to be limited to grassy and elevated surfaces.

As of Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service office in Birmingham said that while there will be flakes falling, the warmth of the ground from recent mild days would limit any accumulation, and likely keep roads mostly passable.

Jefferson County and Shelby County are two of those under a Winter Weather Advisory, and with the weather beginning before dawn, the Jefferson County Emergency Management Association said it's possible commute traffic could be affected.

Once the precipitation moves through, the NWS forecasts much colder temperatures, with lows dipping into the 20s or lower. They recommend citizens follow the "4 Ps," and take care of People, Pets, Pipes and Plants, bringing in any vulnerable vegetation, keeping pets indoors, wrapping exposed pipes and leaving a faucet dripping and checking on elderly neighbors.

For updates, follow the National Weather Service on twitter at @NWSBirmingham or on Facebook.