By By Chandler Myers
Residents of Atmore woke up to a winter wonderland Friday morning as snow fell at a steady pace throughout the morning into the early afternoon hours.
With the unusual weather came closings of schools, businesses and county offices.
Also postponed were the AISA basketball playoffs to be played in Montgomery at Huntingdon College.
The Escambia Academy Lady Cougars were due to play the Autauga Academy Lady Generals at noon yesterday, but the AISA canceled yesterday’s slate of games.
A representative with the AISA said the snowy conditions made it impossible not to cancel.
Brackets were faxed out Friday afternoon, according to Escambia Academy Athletic Director Heath Gibson.
Gibson, head coach for the Lady Cougars, said he received the schedule Friday afternoon.
In the new bracket, the Lady Cougars now play tonight at 7 p.m. at Huntingdon College.
Gibson said it was strange for a game to be canceled due to the snow.
If the Lady Cougars pull off a victory in tonight’s game against the Lady Generals they will move on to face the winner of Monday’s Lakeside/ Marengo game on Wednesday.
Playing on Saturday has an upside compared to Monday.
Gibson said he is looking forward to a couple of extra days rest should his team win.
The Lady Cougars and Lady Generals tip off tonight at 7 p.m. at Huntingdon College.
Other closures
With road conditions deteriorating, First National Bank &Trust closed its offices at noon Friday with normal drive-thru hours resuming today from 8 a.m. until noon at the south and north branch locations.
Also, Gulf Wind Federal Credit Union branches in Atmore and Brewton were closed all day Friday and will reopen with normal Saturday drive-thru hours today, weather permitting.
Public schools in both Escambia County Alabama and Florida were also closed Friday due to the weather. According to Escambia County (Ala.) Superintendent Billy Hines, schools in the county will make up the day on Monday on President’s Day.
Escambia Academy closed its doors Friday due to the snowy conditions, and headmaster Betty Warren said the school would also remain closed for the President’s Day holiday.
The Escambia County (Ala.) Courthouse and other County offices were also closed and will reopen as scheduled on Monday, Feb. 15.
For additional photos of snow in Atmore, visit www.atmorefocus.com