In this Times 2015 file photo, a Cullman driver withstands the cold weather long enough to pump gas at the Shell station on U.S. Highway 278 W. 

Southern and eastern portions of Cullman County could see snow flurries today but everyone will experience bitterly cold temperatures, with a forecast that includes wind chills below freezing.

Friday will be a raw day, with temperatures struggling to make it into the upper 30s under cloudy skies, and with the wind chill, it will feel like 20-30 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville. Meanwhile, counties in central Alabama are under a winter weather advisory with a half-inch to an inch of accumulation expected.

@spann baby’s first snow accumulation! Not much going on in Cullman but being cold! pic.twitter.com/XYjExBXH7l

— Heather Morrow (@hbuchanan1414) December 8, 2017

Areas most likely impacted will be south of Interstate 20 and north of U.S. 80 and Interstate 85.

According to the weather service, there may be some light snow over Cullman, Marshall, and DeKalb counties this morning, however no accumulations are expected. Temperatures Friday will be around 20 degrees below the normal high for this time of year, and at night, the mercury will plunge to a frigid 24 degrees.

A weather pattern featuring mostly cloudy skies and cold temperatures will persist through Saturday.

Saturday will be slightly warmer but will remain in the low to mid 40s. Despite the warmer temperatures, increasing winds will make it feel more like it’s in the upper 30s, according to the weather service.

Wind chill values will range from 18-28 degrees during the day despite sunny skies, and overnight lows Saturday will drop into the lower 20s.

Sunday looks to be more of the same, with highs only in the upper 30s and lower 40s, with overnight lows slightly better in the mid to upper 20s.

After a brief warm up Monday, with temperatures climbing in the lower to mid 50s on Monday, the cold will return Tuesday — with daytime highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s at night — and persist through the week.

“Take care of your animals, older folks and kids,” said Cullman County EMA Director Phyllis Little. “And, if you don’t have to be out, stay at home by the fire.”

The Cullman County EMA has a free smartphone application on iOS and Android products, which Little said was useful for prepping for inclement weather.

Here are some tips to help get your home ready for the cold:

Get inspected: If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector, or find one in your telephone directory under “chimney cleaning.” Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice a year.

Protect your pipes: Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.

Bring items indoors: If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water. Cover or bring indoors any plants that you want to protect from freezing temperatures.

Weatherize: Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Add insulation to your walls and attic, if necessary. Consider purchasing insulated doors and storm windows to further protect your home from the cold. This will also help lower your heating bill.

Buy supplies: Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

Remember fire safety: Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. If you’re going to use a space heater, make sure it has been tested according to the latest safety standards. Put it on a level, non-flammable surface away from bedding, drapes and furniture. And never leave a space heater on when you leave the house or when you go to sleep.

Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.