BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - First responders around Jefferson County are gearing up for another blast of winter weather moving into the Birmingham area this afternoon.

Freezing rain will start to fall around noon and do so for several hours before snow moves in, said Bob Ammons, Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency officer. EMA officials will be briefed again at 10 a.m. by the National Weather Service via webinar.

If their current information doesn't change, Ammons said, the snowfall will begin around 3 p.m. and escalate through the early evening hours. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, and forecasters are calling for 2 to 4 inches of snow in Birmingham and throughout Jefferson County.

Ammons said the bottom line is this: "If you went to work, I'd be heading home before 2 p.m.,'' he said. "You need to make a game plan to get home so you're not trapped like several thousands were two weeks ago."

Jefferson County's EMA has been ready to go since Monday. They are at Level 3, which is just short of the highest level for a natural disaster. The operations center is at full staff, which includes representatives from Birmingham Fire and Rescue, Birmingham police, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, City of Birmingham Public Works Department, Jefferson County Roads and Transportation, BJCTA Max transportation, Red Cross, Alagasco, Alabama Power, the Department of Human Resources, Salvation Army and a host of technicians needed for mapping hazardous conditions and areas.

From Jefferson County to Shelby County, law-enforcement agencies have prepped their cars with chains and have Humvees strategically placed throughout their cities and communities. Manpower has been beefed up, and in many communities, shelters are ready to open if needed.

"We have been ready since Monday; that hasn't changed,'' said Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards. "We're hoping for the best though."

Sheriff Mike Hale said they are sending home all non-essential employees by 3 p.m. or before. Sworn personnel will continue normal operations up until road conditions become hazardous to travel.

"At that point, we will go into our emergency operations plan where 4-wheel drive vehicles, vehicles equipped with snow chains and Humvees able to navigate will answer emergency calls only and will be available for critical transport needs,'' the sheriff said. "We will remain in emergency operations mode for the duration of hazardous road conditions."

"We are urging everyone to monitor their local news outlet, err on the side of caution in getting to their safe place in plenty of time to avoid hazardous travel, and to stay put unless there is an emergency,'' he said. "As always, our goal is to get through this without injury or loss of life. If everyone is prepared and follows a good safety plan, we should easily accomplish that."

Stay with AL.com for live updates on the weather and related stories. For the latest information on roads and travel, follow AL.com's Traffic Mike on Twitter.

