FAIRHOPE, Ala. — As the temperature across Baldwin County drops this weekend, it’s a good time to think about making preparations for chilly conditions. Alabama Winter Weather Awareness Week is Nov. 17-19, and officials want everyone to think about what needs to be done to prevent tragedy.

Jeffrey Medlin, science and operations officer with the National Weather Service in Mobile, said all one has to do is look at the March 13, 1993 superstorm as an example of what winter can sometimes do here on the Gulf Coast.

“Any time you get a foot of snowfall in a short period, people can be stuck on the Interstate,” he said.

Medlin conducted a climatology study of south Alabama, and he found (not surprisingly) that the probability of getting one inch of measurable snow in the area within 12 hours in one calendar year is only 11 percent. The chance of three inches in 12 hours is 5 percent, and the chance of getting four inches in 12 hours in one year (known as heavy snowfall) is just 2.4 percent.

Medlin noted the 2003 storm dumped 2.7 inches of snow at the NWS office at the Mobile Regional Airport. People were stranded in Birmingham with 15-20 inches of snow, and a total of 30-40 inches was recorded from the mid-Atlantic to the Gulf Coast.

The system that created the massive winter storm also spurred a storm surge at Apalachee Bay on the western side of Florida’s Big Bend area, he added.

“Putting it all in perspective, with an arctic air mass, it could rush in and start freezing roads while producing a light freezing rain,” Medlin said. “Fortunately, the soil is really warm here and it warms the surface. Overpasses are more likely to ice over though. A winter storm can occasionally make its way to the deep South.”

According to statistics provided by NWS, the most snowfall ever recorded in Mobile over a 24-hour period was six inches from Feb. 14-15, 1895. The average annual snowfall is .4 inches.

Freezing temperatures reach the area on average around Nov. 26 each year, but thermometers in Baldwin County already hit 32 degrees and lower late last month, breaking a record held since Oct. 28, 1957.

Medlin said travelers are most at risk during severe winter weather.

“If you’re traveling from one state to another, be aware of weather conditions before you leave,” he said. “Be aware if you travel a lot during the winter, and have a winter survival kit in your car.”

He said prepackaged kits can be purchased online, and agencies such as the American Red Cross provide lists of what is needed so you can pack your own.

Medlin suggests items such as a candle and a can that can be used outdoors to keep warm. The can is placed upside down on top of the candle and the heat radiated can help a person survive. Also needed are blankets, snow chains (depending on the area) and basic food items.

A lot of people here do travel during the winter months,” Medlin said.

It’s also important to check in on the elderly when it gets cold, and make sure they have what they need. Medlin cautioned against using unvented gas heaters so commonly seen in older homes.

Pets, people, pipes and plants are always at risk in freezing temps. Medlin said pipes typically burst when the thermometer has been 26 degrees Fahrenheit or below for five to six hours. He noted NOAA weather radios are a good early warning system, especially while traveling.

“Whenever we issue a product (forecast, watch or warning), it’s instantaneously on there,” he said.

Winter Weather Alerts

•Winter storm warning: Issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected. Winter storm warnings are usually issued six to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

•Winter storm watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter storm watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.

•Winter storm outlook: Issued prior to a winter storm watch. The outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and usually issued 48 to 60 hours in advance of a winter storm.

•Wind chill advisory: In Alabama, issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to range from zero to 10 below zero.

•Wind chill warning: In Alabama, issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be below 10 below zero.

•Winter weather advisory: Issued for accumulation of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet which will cause significant inconvenience and moderately dangerous conditions.