Jefferson County Warns of Hypothermia Risks Amid Storm

In Jefferson County, Alabama, three people have died from suspected hypothermia within a 24-hour period, prompting a public warning from the coroner's office. As the region braces for a significant winter storm, authorities emphasize the dangers of hypothermia, which occurs when body temperatures fall below 95°F due to prolonged cold exposure. Vulnerable populations such as the homeless and elderly are at heightened risk, and local shelters like Jimmie Hale Mission have opened warming stations to provide refuge. Additionally, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society advises pet owners to ensure their animals are sheltered adequately. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for northern Alabama, expecting hazardous travel conditions due to snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Medical examinations to officially confirm the causes of death are still pending and could take several weeks to complete.