Shelby County could see at least an inch of snow this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologist Jody Aaron said the National Weather Service is predicting snow to start falling Jan. 7 between 7-10 a.m. The snowfall could potentially last throughout the day, he said.

“It’s going to be a pretty good all-day event,” he said.

While the amount of snow is unknown, Aaron said he expects to see at least an inch to an inch-and-a-half.

“It looks pretty certain that there will be snow, it’s just a matter of the exact amount,” he said. “It could be around for a while. Once temperatures drop below freezing Thursday, temperatures will remain below freezing through Sunday afternoon.”

Shelby County could see temperatures as low as 10 degrees this weekend.

“For the most part, 10 degrees will be a good average for the county,” Aaron said.

He said the National Weather Service is advising people to get prepared for the weekend by getting their pipes insulated and making sure heaters and fireplaces are clean.

There have already been snow flurries in other parts of the state, but no accumulation, he said.

Shelby County Schools spokesperson Cindy Warner said no decision has been made yet on whether schools will be open Thursday. All county principals were alerted to the possibility of severe weather and are looking at ways to clear extracurricular schedules for this weekend.

“We have not made the decision to close. We want to see what happens,” Warner said. “We certainly are aware of the possibility of severe weather and are monitoring it very closely.”

She said a decision likely would not be made until Wednesday.

Also, the Birmingham NOAA weather radio transmitter, which transmits severe weather reports, is out of commission.

According to the National Weather Service Web site, there is no information on when the transmitter will be repaired. Those with severe weather radios can scan through the different frequencies to see if broadcasts can be picked up from surrounding transmitters.

For more information, visit www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/.