The threat of possible icy weather on Friday morning has prompted officials with the Blount County Schools to delay the start of classes Friday by three hours.

In addition, Jefferson County Schools will delay classes by one hour, and Tabernacle Christian School in Gardendale will follow suit, with morning-care services beginning at 8 and school at 9.

Daycare at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist will also delay their opening until 9.

The National Weather Service has issued a freezing rain advisory for much of northeast Alabama, including Blount County, but not including Jefferson County. However, the uncertainty of the area to be affected by freezing rain overnight has led local schools to err on the side of caution.