MADISONVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet urges local drivers to remain weather-aware and adopt safe driving practices as the region anticipates high winds, extreme cold, and snow accumulations starting this weekend and extending through the next week.
A High Wind Warning is in effect until Noon on Saturday, Jan. 13, with potential wind gusts ranging from 30 to 55 mph. The National Weather Service forecasts a transition from heavy rain and thunderstorms to sleet/snow on Sunday evening.
An arctic air blast will descend on the region Saturday night, bringing a prolonged period of sub-freezing temperatures. Anticipate wind chills as low as -10 to -15 below zero. Accumulating snow is possible from Sunday into Monday.
KYTC District 2 Snow & Ice Team will monitor the evolving weather, adjusting plans based on accumulation predictions. Crews are equipped with chainsaws to handle potential tree damage from high winds and are ready to respond swiftly to snow and sleet impact on travel. District 2 Snow & Ice Team will begin pre-treating roadways with brine starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13.
Motorists need to be weather-conscious of the challenges posed by the extreme cold. Travelers should wear appropriate clothing for the extreme cold and stay updated on the evolving forecast.
With 280 employees, 148 snow plows, 5 tow-plows, and 9 contract plows, KYTC District 2 is prepared for snow response across 3,280 miles of highway in Kentucky’s 11 western counties. Statewide, over 1,400 plow trucks and 2,000 staff members are trained to keep travelers safe.
KYTC manages roads, streets, and bridges, including interstates, parkways, and U.S. route designations. To ensure safety, motorists must follow winter driving tips, stock vehicles with essentials, winterize vehicles, drive cautiously in poor weather conditions, pay attention to weather advisories, maintain a safe distance from snowplows, and eliminate distractions while driving.
Stay safe on the roads this winter season.
For real-time traffic updates, travelers can use the free WAZE app or visit ky.gov. Additional snow and ice resources are available at snowky.ky.gov, providing priority route maps, tips, and highway district updates.
To get traffic advisories and alerts for KYTC Highway District 2 counties via email, subscribe here. Click on the District 2 counties you regularly drive through or on any of the specialty corridors you travel. Please confirm your subscription request, which will arrive in an email message.
Get up-to-date traffic at goky.ky.gov, waze.com, or using the WAZE app.