PADUCAH, Ky. (January 14, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 Snow and Ice Team has trucks out in several counties as snow moves across the region tonight. Almost all counties have trucks on the road spot-treating.
Due to the extreme cold temperatures, the snow is light and fluffy. On major highways with substantial traffic much of the snow is blowing off. However, on less-traveled highways, the snow is sticking.
Almost all crews are spot treating bridges and overpasses, while the snow accumulates enough to allow crews to start plowing.
The current forecast indicates snowfall continuing until about mid-morning on Monday, with accumulations of up to 3 inches along the KY-TN border counties and perhaps as little as an inch expected along the Ohio River border counties.
Both highway crews and motorists who plan to travel should be fully prepared for extreme cold temperatures continuing through the week. Please check the NWS forecast frequently for forecast updates (https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah).
The system brings what is expected to be the longest streak of extreme cold in more than 20 years. Lows are expected in the single digits, with winds creating a wind chill factor of -10 to -20.
Anyone who ventures out should gear up to be fully prepared for the extreme cold.
KYTC District 1 has about 200 employees involved in snow response efforts with 115 snow plows, five tow-plows, and 17 contract plows to cover 2,850 miles of highway in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties. The district includes almost 70 miles of Interstate 24 and 73 miles of I-69 and the Purchase Parkway.
Statewide, more than 1,400 plow trucks are on deck with more than 2,000 staff and crew members trained and prepped to keep travelers moving.
Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates. Travel info is available at GoKY.KY.Gov. Additional winter weather tips are available at Ready.Gov.