The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 Snow & Ice Team has been evaluating progress today and working on plans for tonight and into Tuesday.
At this time, crews plan to run as late tonight as possible until they reach their federally mandated 16-hour limit.
While temperatures are expected in the single digits tonight, crews will continue plowing and spreading salt while temperatures are droppping. Show that was expected to trail off mid-afternoon appears to be continuning into the overnight hours raising the possibility of additional accumulations.
Whenever possible, individual county crews will keep a small crew available during overnight hours to respond to emergencies and assist police agencies when needed. Crews will then go back to full-staffing early on Tuesday to resume ice-fighting efforts during daylight hours.
The Snow & Ice Team has several specific recommendations for those who plan to be on the road for the next several days:
First, the number one concern for the next several nights is that lows are expected near zero. As we’ve mentioned before, 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.
Second, drifting snow is a major concern during the overnight hours for the next several days. We are expecting winds in the 10 mph range overnight. That is enough to create some pretty substantial drifts. Some crews will have personnel on duty overnight to respond to drifts, but may be limited in their ability to clear them until morning.
Third, A simple trip to the grocery can become a life-threatening challenge when lows dip to the single digits. 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 before you head out this week.
Fourth, if you have to travel to and from work, make sure you have your cell phone fully changed, and check in with family and friends from time to time to assure they know where you are. Then, if you have a crash or get stuck in a drift out of cell range they’ll have an idea of your last location.
Finally, KYTC crews request that if you are out on the road, even during daylight, to always drive with your headlights on. This help snow plow drivers and other motorists to see you through the blowing snow. A state law requires you to turn on your headlights anytime it is raining or snowing enough to required the use of your windshield wipers.