Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews in District 2 are planning to ramp up operations starting about 5 p.m., CST, to prepare for the possibility of near-bilzzard conditions during the overnight hours. KYTC Engineers are urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous driving conditions that are likely to develop.
If you choose to travel, please make sure you are prepared for the extreme driving conditions and weather hazards you will face.
While snow accumulation numbers are not high for this event, wind and plummeting temperatures will create a number of challenges for motorists and highway crews that are likely to impact travel.
Highway crews plan to start salting bridges, overpasses, and other potential trouble spots as the rain starts transitioning to snow in our 11 District 2 counties around dark. There will be a critical window of opportunity to improve driving conditions during that transition. As the storm progresses, crews will mainly focus
their efforts on “A” Snow Priority Routes which include Interstates, Parkways, and U.S. Highways.
The National Weather Service Paducah Office has indicated winds will be in the 20 to 30 mile per hour range creating the opportunity for whiteout conditions at the peak of the storm, as well as the possibility of drifting snow.
If whiteout conditions make it unsafe for crews to operate, KYTC District 2 Crews will halt snow and ice-fighting activities for a time until visibility improves.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor the NWS forecast and area news media outlets for timely weather updates. Again, KYTC engineers are asking motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the overnight hours.
If you do get out on the road, be sure you are fully prepared for the near-blizzard conditions you are likely to encounter.
KYTC District 2 will provide updates as appropriate.
For
National Weather Service graphics on this event go to
https://www.weather.gov/media/pah/embriefing.pdf
For
additional NWS weather info go to www.weather.gov/PAH or
www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah
For
info on preparing for extreme winter weather go to www.ready.gov.
Timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KYTC Highway District 2 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.
