The National Weather Service (NWS) in Paducah has updated its Ice Storm Warning for the area. The warning has been extended through noon Monday and calls for a period of freezing drizzle before precipitation changes to snow late tonight and tomorrow morning.
The NWS alert issued Sunday reads:
...ICE STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST MONDAY... * WHAT...Significant icing expected through the early evening with a mix of sleet and freezing rain. Winds gusting to 30 mph. A period of freezing drizzle is likely tonight before precipitation changes to snow late night through Monday morning. Additional snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and additional ice accumulations up to a quarter inch with locally higher amounts. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until noon CST Monday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will become slick and hazardous. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An arctic blast will arrive Monday and last through most of the week. Wind chill values will drop into the single digits or below zero at times, which can be even more dangerous with any long duration power outages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power outages. The latest road conditions can be obtained by visiting www.weather.gov/pah/roads Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.
