KYTC District 1 Highway Crews Ready for Snow and Brutal Cold Temperatures

KYTC District 1 Highway Crews Ready for Snow and Brutal Cold Temperatures

Bitter cold to create hazardous travel conditions

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 Snow and Ice Team continues to monitor weather conditions for Kentucky's 12 westernmost counties with snow and extreme cold on the way.

The National Weather Service has placed the region under a Winter Weather Advisory with a round of light snow expected tonight. Another round of snow that is expected to range from about 1 inch in the north to up to 3 inches along the KY-TN border counties is expected to arrive Sunday night into Monday. Please check the NWS forecast frequently for updates (https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah).

The system also 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.

District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat encourages area motorists to be weather-aware as the region braces for a hazardous round of winter weather continuing well into next week.

"We'll have team members closely monitoring changing weather and road conditions so we can call in crews as they are needed," Poat said. "The hazards created by the extreme cold that comes with this system will be a safety concern for our personnel and anyone who is on the road during this event."

Poat noted that when temperatures get into the single digits or below zero, something as simple as a dead battery or flat tire that would normally be an inconvenience can quickly become life-threatening.

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.

KYTC maintains most roads, streets and bridges that are part of the State Highway System, including interstates, parkways, and U.S. route designations.

Driver Tips This Winter Season

Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase. Motorists, too, need to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:

Travel only when necessary during major snow events.

Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and a first aid kit should you get stranded on the road.

Winterize your vehicle. Check your car battery, tire pressure and brakes. Ensure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.

When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you drive. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in poor weather, so brake early and slowly.

Pay attention to weather advisories and allow more time to travel for routine commutes.

Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice – a thin coating of hard-to-see clear ice that can form on the pavement surface.

Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment, and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.

Know before you go. Download the free WAZE app or visit ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel. The map also offers access to select traffic cameras on interstates and parkways.

Buckle up! Phone down! Eliminate distractions while driving.

Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates.