FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear is urging Kentuckians to use caution on the roadways across the commonwealth following the National Weather Service’s prediction of rain, snow and ice this evening and through tonight.
Temperatures will fall from the 40s this afternoon to around 20 degrees Thursday morning. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are possible, three inches locally in North Central and South Central Kentucky from 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST this evening until 8 a.m. EST/ 7 a.m. CST tomorrow morning.
Untreated roads could quickly become icy and covered with snow tonight. The Governor asked Kentuckians to visit GOKy.Ky.gov or use the Waze app to track hazardous road conditions across the commonwealth.
“Icy or snow-covered roads will make for hazardous road conditions Thursday morning,” Beshear said. “We are urging Kentuckians to stay off the roads if possible.”
Kentucky Emergency Management is monitoring the situation and will activate the State Emergency Operations Center if needed. SEOC includes personnel from the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
“Right on track, we are again going to experience a snowstorm that could make for hazardous driving conditions late evening and during the morning rush hour. Please use extra caution when traveling on interstates and highways,” said Michael Dossett, Director of Kentucky Emergency Management.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet snow fighters are readying to clear roads and bridges from a second winter storm in less than a week.
“When temperatures drop below freezing in a short time, roadways already wet from melting snow can become icy,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Our snow and ice crews will be focused on keeping roadways and overpasses passable, especially for the Thursday morning commute. But the best way to stay safe is to forego nonessential travel.”
Keep Kentucky Moving Safely
Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase. KYTC encourages motorists to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
- Limit travel to what’s necessary when snow and ice are on the roads;
- Give snowplows and crew members plenty of room on the road;
- Ensure personal vehicles are winter-ready, with the recommendation of keeping an emergency kit in vehicles; and
- Mask up to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help protect against the quarantine of plow crews essential to roadway treatment.