State highway crews in northeast Kentucky are spot treating roadways today while preparing for the next, larger snowstorm that's expected to hit the region overnight. The public is advised to plan ahead, avoiding road travel on Friday and Saturday.
As of 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, highways are mostly clear, with some slush or spotty snow cover on back roads. Salt truck and plow crews will continue to spot treat roadways.
Air and pavement temperatures are averaging about 24 degrees, and are expected to rise to near freezing. Motorists should continue to treat wet or snow-covered pavement as potentially slick.
Throughout the day today, crews will also focus on storm preparations: Repairing equipment, topping off stockpiles of snow-fighting chemicals, making sure plow trucks are fueled and in good working order, sharpening chainsaws and readying generators.
The National Weather Service predicts a massive winter storm will arrive overnight and blanket the region with as much as 8 to 12 inches, or more, of heavy wet snow Friday and Saturday.
State highway crews will remain on duty throughout the storm and will work around the clock to plow roadways, but with the expected heavy rate of snowfall and potential for drifting snow, roads will likely remain snow-covered until after the storm subsides on Saturday. Motorists should plan accordingly, and avoid travel altogether if possible.
During winter storm operations, Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 crews work 12-hour shifts using more than 22,000 tons of salt and 75 snow plows, salt spreaders and other equipment in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties to keep 2,000 miles of state highways passable.
During any winter weather event, motorists should travel with caution. If travel is necessary, slow down, buckle up and maintain a “space cushion” between vehicles to ensure maneuverability.
Motorists are also reminded to give a wide berth to plows, salt trucks and other snow-clearing equipment. To be effective in dispersing de-icing material, trucks tend to travel at a slower speed. Also, snow plows may create a snow cloud which can cause a white out or zero visibility condition, so keep a safe distance away from the trucks.
(story provided by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)
