Motorists are being advised to stay home except for essential travel due to poor road conditions. Multiple agencies have already reported several accidents, some with injuries. Here’s what to know about which roads will be a priority for snow removal crews across Owensboro-Daviess County, as well as where some accidents have been reported.
Snow removal routes:
City of Owensboro priority routes: Click here
Daviess County priority routes: Click here
KYTC priority routes for Daviess County: Click here
Weather alerts:
9:07 a.m. — The National Weather Service said there were hazardous driving conditions in the region. “Even though the roads may not look that slick with a minor accumulation, they are. Conditions will only deteriorate through the morning, before the snow lets up from midday through the afternoon hours.”
Message from the Owensboro Police Department:
9:22 a.m. — Snow is falling rapidly and has made driving conditions poor. We have numerous collisions reported and crews are out working to improve the road conditions. Stay off the roads if possible. If you must go out slow down, give yourself extra distance, clear snow from your vehicle to improve visibility and use your headlights so other vehicles can better see you.
Message from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office:
9:32 a.m. — Sheriff Barry Smith said there were a couple inches of snow in some parts of the county. He said it’s best not to get out. Smith said they are working a few wrecks. An accident with injuries on US 231 outside of Masonville is delaying traffic. There are also accidents on KY 144 and KY 54. He said there will likely be more accidents as the day goes on.
Message from Kentucky State Police:
9:18 a.m. — Trooper Corey King said wrecks are being reported on KY 144 in East Daviess County. He said one is a snow plow vs. truck at the intersection of KY603/KY144, while another was a passenger car vs. ditch on KY 144 South.
9:43 a.m. — King said a vehicle vs. pole accident was reported on I-165 (aka Wm Natcher Prky) at the Daviess/Ohio County line. It’s unknown if any power lines are impacted.
10:39 a.m. — King reported a car vs. tree in the 9600 block of US 431 and a car vs. pole just south of that.
Message from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:
In anticipation of bad weather, KYTC encouraged 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.
