Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews got some great help from substantial sunshine today. It helped to warm up pavement temperatures to activate salt and other ice-fighting chemicals that had gone dormant during the single digit lows overnight.
As extra snow fell last night, crews worked late in an effort to plow A and B Snow Priority Routes to have them ready for morning travel. The light and fluffy snow that fell as temeratures dropped into the singel digits was idea for plowing and aided crews in their road-clearing work. The sunshine that aided in clearing of major travel routes also allowed crews to spend more time in an effort to clear the lower priority C Snow Routes, which are mainly rurual secondary highways.
At this time, many crews plan to run until after dark tonight in an effort to take advantage of the warmer temperatures. Most crews will pull in as temperatures drop, with some crews leaving a skeleton crew on duty to take care of equipment and truck maintenance, as well as being available for emergency calls.
With temperatures expected in the single digits again tonight, motorists who plan to be out should use extra caution as re-freezing of any residual moisture on pavement surfaces is likely. There is also a potential for Black Ice that is not readily noticable by drivers until they hit it. Extra caution is required.
The Snow & Ice Team continues to have specific recommendations for those who plan to be on the road for the next several days and nights:
- First, the number one concern for the next several nights is that salt and other ice-fighting chemicals become inactive below about 15 degrees. That means little can be done to improve driving conditions during the overnight hours with lows near zero. Re-freezing is possible.
- Second, drifting snow continues to be of concern during the overnight hours. We are expecting wind speeds to be lower, maybe in the 5 mph range overnight. However, that could still create some pretty substantial drifts
- Third, with the extreme cold, a simple trip to the grocery can turn into a life-threatening challenge. Something as simple as a dead battery, flat tire, or minor mechanical issue with your vehicle that would be an inconveninece during normal weather can turn life-treatening in just a few minutes. Please take time to assure that you have adequate clothing and gear for the extreme cold.
- Fourth, if you have to travel to and from work, make sure you have your cell phone fully charged, and check in with family and friends from time to time to assure they know where you are.
- Finally, KYTC crews request that if you are out on the road, even during daylight, to always drive with your headlights on. This helps snow plow drivers and other motorists to see you through the blowing snow. State law requires you to turn on your headlights anytime it is raining or snowing enough to require the use of your windshield wipers.
For information on Snow & Ice Priority Routes for each county go to https://transportation.ky.gov/sites/snowky .