Snow is expected in the area Thursday night and wind chills near zero are forecast for Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Transportation crews have begun preparing for the potential snow and ice.
According to a Special Weather Statement issued by NWS Paducah:
Accumulating Snow on Thursday... A system will likely spread light accumulating snow across the region Thursday. Temperatures are expected to range from the upper teens along the Interstate 64 corridor to mid 20s elsewhere, so any snow should quickly accumulate. This may impact travel across the region. There remains a decent amount of uncertainty with regards to the position and strength of the snow band, and dry air at the surface may be hard to overcome initially. The latest forecast data does suggest the area most likely to see some impacts is west Kentucky. Behind this system, the coldest air of the season is set to arrive Thursday night. Wind chills into the single digits to just below zero are forecast by Friday morning. Stay tuned to later forecasts as this event nears.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said District 2 crews have begun the process of pre-treating the highways with brine throughout the 11 counties that make up District 2.
The brine dries to a fine powder coating of salt that sticks to the road surface and is available to be activated by falling snow in the early hours of a snow and ice event. Pre-treating initially improves driving conditions, then makes it easier for crews to plow snow by keeping frozen precipitation from bonding to the driving surface.
Motorists should be alert for slow-moving trucks on the road spraying brine on A, B, and C routes. Crews focus first on high-priority routes such as interstates and critical roadways, then heavily traveled state routes before turning to lower-volume routes. Snow priority maps for each county can be viewed online.
The weather models are shaping up to reflect hazardous driving conditions that could be in play beginning Thursday. Motorists are reminded to adjust their driving behavior to meet localized weather conditions as the snow and ice develops.
Motorists should plan ahead and give plenty of time to prep vehicles for travel and slower travel speeds during a winter weather event.
KYTC continues to encourage motorists to remain safe by following these tips:
- When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you are in. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in adverse weather conditions, so break early and slowly.
- Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice—a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
- Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment.
- Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
- Allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
