A significant winter weather storm is likely in parts of North Central Alabama late tonight through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville.

A winter weather warning has been issued for Thursday from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Morgan County is one of 11 counties that will be affected by the winter weather warning. Cullman and Madison counties are also included.

The weather service released in an advisory that rain is expected before an arctic front moves through the area this evening, causing subfreezing temperatures and accumulation of ice. The dropping temperatures are expected to cause freezing rain and sleet Thursday between midnight and 6 a.m.. The winter storm is expected to spread toward the southeast throughout the day tomorrow.

Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing for an extended period of time, causing a layer of ice between one quarter and three tenths of an inch thick on surfaces and roadways.

The weather service expects hazardous travel conditions across North Central Alabama Thursday morning.

Residents are asked to stay up-to-date on weather forecasts and road conditions.