Huntsville Roads: Stay Alert for Icy Surprises

Roads in Huntsville and Madison County might look fine, but don’t be fooled! City officials warned that icy patches are making driving dangerous. On Saturday morning, some sections of Memorial Parkway and I-565 were shut down due to ice, but they reopened later in the day. Jeff Birdwell, the director of the Emergency Management Agency, explained that rain melted snow but left behind black ice on roads and sidewalks. Temperatures are expected to drop again, so more black ice is likely on Sunday. Mayor Tommy Battle compared the situation to the last few minutes of a football game, urging everyone to stay careful. Madison County Commission Chair, Mac McCutcheon, added that shaded rural roads are taking longer to dry out. A few accidents happened on Friday, and police expect more traffic as people head out. Police Chief Kirk Giles urged drivers to follow signs and barricades. Public Works crews have been working non-stop to clear roads. Chris McNeese, the Public Works Director, said they are now focusing on elevated secondary roads. Huntsville Utilities reported no power outages. Mayor Battle, Chair McCutcheon, and Madison Mayor Paul Finley praised the workers for their hard work. Mayor Finley noted that the preparation this year was as good as last year's, but the ice hit differently.