Wintry Mix, Frigid Temperatures To Impact Overnight Travel In Western Kentucky

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 is advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties during the overnight hours due to a winter mix followed by up to 2-inches of snow with temperatures plunging into the teens. Weather conditions and extreme cold are expected to create hazardous driving conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Paducah Office has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of Western Kentucky with a Special Weather Statement is likely to be issued for neighboring states.

Rain is expected during the day, with a period of freezing drizzle, freezing rain, and sleet starting in the Paducah area around 5 p.m. CST.  The winter mix will be followed by up to 2 inches of snow starting around 7 p.m. in the Paducah area.

Rapidly dropping temperatures through the evening will make it likely elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses will ice over fairly quickly.  The freezing drizzle, freezing rain, and sleet in the early hours of this winter event are likely to limit the ability of highway crews to improve driving conditions once the temperature drops.  Salt and other ice-fighting chemicals have minimal impact below about 16 degrees.

In addition to the potential impact on travel, the Paducah area is expecting a low of 14 degrees overnight with winds in the 20 mph range.  That will create a single-digit wind chill that will provide an additional hazard for travelers.  Motorists who plan to be out should wear clothing appropriate for the extreme conditions, carry an appropriate emergency kit, and be sure their vehicle is functioning properly to reduce the likelihood of becoming stranded during the overnight hours.

The extreme temperatures mean something as simple as a flat tire or dead battery that would normally be an inconvenience could create a life-threatening situation.

Motorists are reminded to carefully monitor localized weather conditions via area news media outlets and/or on the National Weather Service Paducah Office page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah.  Graphics for this winter weather event can be found here:  https://www.weather.gov/media/pah/DssPacket.pdf

Just as highway crews prep their equipment for snow and ice, they ask that you do the same with your personal vehicle.  A variety of winter travel resources are available at snowky.ky.gov.

To get traffic advisories and alerts via email please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYTC/signup/13651 . Cl\lick on counties in Kentucky you regularly drive through or on any of the specialty corridors you travel.  There is a specific group for snow and ice response.   Be sure to check your SPAM filtering to assure Gov Delivery is on your approved list.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KYTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.