Urge Motorists to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews in District 2 are planning to ramp up operations starting about 5:00 p.m., CST, to prepare for the possibility of near-bilzzard 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.
While snow accumulation numbers are not high for this event, wind and plummeting temperatures will create a number of
challenges for motorists and highway crews that are likely to impact travel.
Highway crews plan to start salting bridges, overpasses, and other potential trouble spots as the rain starts transitioning to snow in our 11 District 2 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 District 2 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. Again, KYTC engineers are asking motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the overnight hours. If you do get out on the road, be sure you are fully prepared
for the near-blizzard conditions you are likely to encounter.
KYTC District 2 will provide updates as appropriate.