KYTC : KY Transportation Cabinet Crews in District 2 Prepare for Winter Weather Event

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews across the 11 counties of District 2 are preparing for an approaching winter weather event that could bring some icy driving conditions to the region Saturday night into Sunday.
Rain is expected during the day Saturday, followed by plummeting temperatures with a quick transition to a winter mix and snow during the overnight hours into Sunday morning. The rain will prohibit pre-treating of roadways for this event.

At this time the KYTC District 2 Snow & Ice Team has alerted crews to be prepared to respond as the system arrives over the area. Crews will have trucks loaded with salt and prepared to roll on short notice.

An evaluation of the hour by hour forecast indicates there should be sufficient winds as the rain ends to dry the pavement in most counties before temperatures drop quickly and create an opportunity for flash-freezing.
The main threat for snow and a winter mix is expected between about 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., CST, Saturday, with temperatures to drop below 32 degrees around dark. Winds are expected in the 18 to 20 mile per hour range during this period. While that could help to chill pavement temperatures it also should help to dry the pavement fairly quickly and reduce the opportunity for icing. The wind will create a wind chill factor in the 15 degree range.

Snow accumulations are anticipated in the 1 to 2 inch range north of Madisonville with an inch or less south of Madisonville.

Motorists who plan to travel during the overnight hours Saturday into Sunday morning are advised to use appropriate caution as a shift of a few miles in the freeze line could have a substantial impact on driving conditions. Motorists should carefully monitor the NWS and area news media for updates to the forecast.

The hourly forecast indicates temperatures of around 22 degrees Fahrenheit at sunrise on Sunday.

The District 2 Snow & Ice Team will continue to monitor the developing forecast for this event through the weekend to direct an appropriate response.

According to the NWS, moderate to locally heavy rain Saturday morning will transition to a period of snow from northwest to southeast during the afternoon and early evening hours as northerly winds gust over 30 MPH at times.

Travel Saturday afternoon and evening could be difficult with snow accumulations, reduced visibility from blowing snow, and black ice. Right now snowfall totals look to be minor, but enough to create slick road conditions. Black ice is likely to form on roadways too, as the rain will prevent road crews from pre-treating.

Much colder temperatures are expected Sunday into Monday.

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