Motorists urged to avoid unnecessary travel
PADUCAH, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2025) – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 snowfighters will be reporting for duty during the early morning hours Sunday ahead of a winter weather storm which will impact much of the Commonwealth.
All counties in District 1 are under a Winter Weather Advisory, and Livingston and Crittenden counties are under an Ice Storm Warning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is anticipating a winter storm starting with an initial burst of freezing rain and sleet as early as 3 a.m. Sunday morning and changing to rain or possible snow by Sunday afternoon. Some light snow is possible on Monday morning, and a bitter, arctic cold will follow this storm throughout the rest of the week.
The KYTC District 1 Snow and Ice Team will monitor weather conditions hour by hour and will adjust response strategies for area highway crews as needed.
Moderate to minor travel impacts are expected. The regional forecast indicates some counties in Western Kentucky could receive between 0.25 and 0.75 inches of ice accumulation in addition to some snow.
State highway engineers are urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous driving conditions that are likely to develop as freezing rain starts to fall.
Motorists who plan to be out in the early morning hours should wear clothing appropriate for the extreme conditions, pack an emergency car kit, and be sure their vehicle is functioning properly to reduce the likelihood of becoming stranded in the ice and snow.
Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
The U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge in Paducah is closed to all traffic until further notice. Motorists should detour via the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge.
Before you head out, please monitor local weather conditions via area news media outlets and/or on the National Weather Service Paducah page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah.
Remember:
Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas freeze first.
Slow down and keep a safe braking distance between vehicles.
Check real-time traffic and interstate camera access at goky.ky.gov and visit snowky.ky.gov for more winter weather resources.