A significant winter storm is expected to impact the west Kentucky region Wednesday through Thursday. Travel will likely be difficult beginning Wednesday evening. Prepare for possible school closures and early dismissals.
A region-wide winter storm advisory is in effect. A winter storm warning is in effect in southern Illinois along and to the west of Interstate 57, around Carbondale. The warning area could see 3 to 5 inches of snow, while areas in the advisory could see 2 to 3 inches, with some light ice accumulation.
National Weather Service Paducah Lead Forecaster Kevin Smith said in a conference call Wednesday morning a rapid spread of precipitation will impact the southern Illinois region by 5 p.m. After 6, will be an increase in snow and wintry mix in the west Kentucky region.
Prepare for difficult travel conditions by late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 said in a release on Wednesday crews are continuing to pre-treat roads by applying brine through the day. Other crews are resting and will be fighting snow on Thursday. Drivers should be alert for slow moving trucks working along highways.
Maximum snow production is expected overnight, primarily in counties along the Ohio River and to the north.
A mix of snow and freezing rain will affect west Kentucky - with freezing rain primarily in the Pennyrile. Ice accumulations should be around a tenth of an inch or less, with locally higher amounts around Hopkinsville as well as southern Graves and Calloway counties.
Smith said Thursday morning will see some reduction in precipitation, but anything on the ground is likely to stay through Thursday night with the potential for black ice and refreezing on bridges and untreated roads.
This story will be updated.
