Mayfield, Ky.–Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 Snow-Fighters are rolling right out of one winter storm into yet another round of winter precipitation arriving today and Thursday.
Highway crews got some help from the sunshine Tuesday. The sunshine raised pavement temperatures enough to activate salt residue left on driving surfaces from the massive application of salt required during last week’s ice storm.
Where possible, some crews have been able to do some plowing on B and C Snow Priority Routes. Crews plan to continue those activities this morning as the approaching snow system is developing.
During the overnight hours, some crews were hauling salt from storage domes to restock individual county salt supplies. Extreme cold brought a light fluffy snow earlier in the week that has been ideal for plowing. With temperatures trending back up into the 20s today, crews will likely resume salting to aid in snow removal efforts over the next few days.
In the afternoon and evening hours Tuesday, highway crews faced some challenges where people have pushed snow from driveways and parking lots into the roadway. Homeowners, businesses, and commercial snow removal companies are reminded that pushing piles of snow into the roadway is illegal and can result in a police citation.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor area news media outlets and the National Weather Service for updates on the approaching winter system. The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our 12 KYTC District 1 Kentucky counties. NWS expects light snow starting this morning with up to 3 inches of accumulation over much of the region with the heaviest snowfall totals this afternoon into Thursday morning. For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/
Highway crews expect to get some relief from the extreme cold this weekend with highs above freezing expected by Saturday.
During the first round of heavy snow this week, highway crews focused primarily on “A” Snow Priority Routes- which include Interstates, Parkways, U.S. Highways, and some other 4-lane routes. Crews may revert to that strategy during the peak of this round of snow, depending on snowfall accumulation amounts. For a complete county-by-county snow and ice priority list please go to: https://transportation.ky.gov/
Highway crews will continue on a 13-hour shift rotation for the remainder of the week with shift changes at midnight and noon each day. The KYTC District 1 plow fleet will be supported by 20 contract trucks.
For information on putting together a winter travel kit go to www.ready.gov/winter.
Real-time travel conditions are available at goky.ky.gov or via the WAZE APP.