A Winter Storm Watch is in effect this evening through Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Winter Storm Watch that covers a large part of western Kentucky and portions of southern Illinois from Marion south and east.
Meteorologists indicate there is the potential for around 4 inches of snow in the watch area and the possibility of some sleet mixed with the snow.
According to the National Weather Service, snow will spread southeast to the Ohio River by midnight tonight then across western Kentucky after midnight with several hours of moderate to heavy snow possible. The snow will end Wednesday morning.
Due to the freezing temperatures, the snow will instantly stick to paved surfaces causing a rapid deterioration of travel conditions and making the Wednesday morning commute likely very hazardous.
Meanwhile, a second winter storm is expected to occur late this week in the quad-state region. National Weather Service meteorologists indicate this potential winter storm will bring a chance of freezing rain and snow to the area late Wednesday night through Friday night, with freezing rain the primary concern early Thursday. Most locations would end with a period of snow as the storm system exits Thursday night and Friday. Any icing early Thursday should be short-lived as temperatures are expected to climb above freezing later in the day, but accumulating snows are a very real possibility Thursday night and Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah.
Again, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect this evening through Wednesday morning. Stay tuned for updates as the winter storm approaches.
A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow…sleet…or ice accumulations that would greatly impact travel.
The National Weather Service indicates the watch will be upgrade to a warning if winter storm conditions become more certain.