By Ellin Holohan
HealthDay Reporter

(HealthDay News) -- While money problems sometimes strain a marriage, the opposite may also hold true: More than one-quarter of married Americans polled in a recent survey said the current recession has strengthened their union.

University of Virginia researchers found that the recession "deepened" the commitment to marriage for 29 percent of the people surveyed. Among those considering divorce before the economic slump, 38 percent said they opted to stay together, at least temporarily, because of the downturn.

Winter storm forecasts for Alabama likely will result in snow-covered or icy roads and hazardous driving conditions throughout much of the state today and into Thursday morning. Precipitation is expected to begin by this evening. Alabama state troopers encourage all motorists to drive with extreme caution and to avoid roadways when weather conditions are prohibitive.

Alabama State Troopers offer the following tips to help ensure safe winter travel:

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Lawrence County which is in effect from 6 pm this afternoon to 6 am Thursday. Total snowfall accumulations are expected to be around two inches, with locally higher amounts.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow are expected that will make traveling dangerous. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution, reduce speeds, leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Stay with WAFF 48 News as we track this winter storm!