Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 crews are gearing up for a developing winter weather event expected to arrive Sunday and continue into Monday.
The weather forecast indicates about a chance of rain moving into the area Sunday afternoon with a switchover to snow during the overnight hours into Monday morning.
Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing at some point overnight Sunday. Accumulations of snow one inch or more are possible.
To prepare, Kentucky highway crews in the 11 counties headquarted at Madisionville will be out pre-treating bridges and overpasses along Interstates and Parkways, today. If time allows, crews will be pre-treating some “C” Snow Priority Routes. Motorists should be alert for slow moving trucks going about pre-treating activities, particularly along Interstates, parkways. Crews plant to be out until about 5:00 p.m., this evening.
Pre-treating with brine leaves a fine coating of salt powder that will stick to road surfaces for several days. The salt is then available to be activated by falling precipitation during the early hours of a winter weather event. Due to rain that is expected to precede the snow, crews will only pre-treat bridges and overpasses for this event.
Additionally, highway crews across Western Kentucky will be loading salt onto their trucks, mounting snow plows, and preparing other necessary equipment through the day. This will allow crews to hit the road quickly over the weekend, if required.
The KYTC District 2 Snow & Ice Team will continue to monitor the weather forecast for changes and provide regular updates on the snow response plan.
The National Weather Service has indicated there may be some limited travel impact as the system develops, expected mainly over counties in the northern and central portions of the district. Cold temperatures are expected to remain over the region through next week.
Motorists are asked to do their part by assuring that they have good tread on their tires, carrying appropriate emergency supplies in their vehicle, wearing plenty of warm clothing anytime they go out, and using appropriate caution when precipitation and freezing temperatures create hazardous driving conditions.
Motorists are encouraged to closely monitor the local forecast for updates as the system approaches, and be aware of the potential for rapid changes in driving conditions.
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