MADISONVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 Snow and Ice Team are preparing for incoming winter weather expected this weekend.
Crews in District 2 have begun pre-treating the highways in anticipation of snow forecasted for western Kentucky. District 2 is comprised of Caldwell, Christian, Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Webster and Union.
Drivers should be alert for slow-moving trucks on the road spraying brine on bridges, overpasses, and other potential trouble spots throughout the day.
While the forecast calls for about an inch of snow at this time, temperatures are expected to hover near the freezing mark about the time the snow is expected to arrive Saturday night. That is expected to limit to snow accumulation to mainly grassy areas. Highway crews are spot pre-treating today to further reduce the likelihood of impact on transportation.
When brine is sprayed on the pavement, it dries to leave a fine powder coating of salt that sticks to the road surface and is available to be activated by falling snow in the early hours of a snow and ice event. Pre-treating initially improves driving conditions by melting snow as it falls. It makes it easier for crews to plow snow by keeping frozen precipitation from bonding to the pavement.
Sunshine this morning is helping to warm pavement temperatures. That is also expected to reduce the impact of the weekend snowfall on travel.
According to the National Weather Service Paducah Office, snow showers are expected to develop across the region Saturday night and continue until about daylight Sunday. For an updated NWS forecast, go to https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah.
The KYTC District 2 Snow & Ice Team will continue to monitor changing conditions through the weekend. Area highway crews will have trucks fueled and ready to roll out should snow create accumulations that go beyond the current forecast.
Motorists are reminded to plan ahead, monitor area media outlets for localized forecast updates, and be aware of changing weather conditions as the snow develops.
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