The National Weather Service in Birmingham has released a special statement saying a winter storm is expected across Central Alabama late Friday night through late morning on Saturday.

The statement includes Marengo and surrounding counties, which means Friday night’s events – namely the barbecue cookoff – could see a smattering of flurries.

A storm system is expected to develop over the northern Gulf of Mexico late Friday that will likely bring measurable snow to portions of Central Alabama between midnight and noon on Saturday.

At this time forecasters are saying amounts of up to 1 inch are expected along and south of Interstates 20 and 59 and north of Interstate 85 with possible higher totals in elevated areas in East Central Alabama.

Areas north of Interstates 20 and 59 are expected to reach around 1/2 inch.

Although some accumulations are expected, widespread hazardous conditions are not likely with the snow because warm soil temperature will remain well above freezing.

More on the weather at this site as it develops and other statements are issued.