Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews in District 1 are planning to ramp up operations starting about 3:00 p.m., CST, to prepare for the possibility of near-blizzard conditions during the overnight hours. KYTC Engineers are urging
motorists to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous driving conditions that are likely to develop. If you choose to travel, please make sure you are prepared for the extreme driving conditions and weather hazards you will face.
Motorists and highway crews will be facing a number of challenges that are likely to impact travel during the overnight hours.
Highway crews plan to start salting bridges, overpasses, and other potential trouble spots as the rain starts transitioning to snow in our District 1 counties around dark. There will be a critical window of opportunity to improve driving conditions during that transition. As the storm progresses, crews will mainly focus their efforts on “A” Snow Priority Routes which include Interstates, Parkways, and U.S. Highways.
The National Weather Service Paducah Office has indicated winds will be in the 20 to 30 mile per hour range creating the opportunity for whiteout conditions at the peak of the storm, as well as the possibility of drifting snow.
If whiteout conditions make it unsafe for crews to operate, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Crews will halt snow and ice-fighting activities for a time until visibility improves.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor the NWS forecast and area news media outlets for timely weather updates.
KYTC District 1 will provide updates on our Facebook page as appropriate at
www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1<http://www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1>.
For National Weather Service graphics on this event go to https://www.weather.gov/media/pah/embriefing.pdf
For additional NWS weather info go to www.weather.gov/PAH<http://www.weather.gov/PAH> or
www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah<http://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah>
For info on preparing for extreme winter weather go to www.ready.gov<http://www.ready.gov>.