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Winter Weather Approaching

Rowan County Fiscal Court

With arctic temperatures, strong winds and snow expected to appear this afternoon into Friday, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials urge travelers to watch for hazardous road conditions that can create slick spots, limit visibility and cause traffic delays. Highway crews are on high alert and are prepared to deploy and respond as needed through the holiday weekend. Travelers are encouraged to pack an emergency car kit, monitor forecasts and consider alternate travel plans to limit traveling Thursday evening into Friday.

Emergency Management Director Jarred Moore says Rowan County will not see the same accumulation as areas in Western Kentucky, but residents should prepare for the danger of extreme cold, with minus-double-digit wind chills due to high wind gusts and steep, rapid temperature drops.

The Governor declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon, activated the Kentucky National Guard, implemented a prohibition on price gouging and took other emergency steps aimed at protecting lives of Kentuckians.

Local Transportation crews will determine the best treatment approaches and region-specific response plans based on the timing of storm impacts. With rain expected Thursday afternoon ahead of the snow, pretreating routes with brine will be ineffective in some areas as the solution can become diluted or wash away. Crews plan to use a calcium chloride additive that makes salt more effective in extreme temperatures. Flash freezing is possible due to fast temperature drops. Drivers are reminded that bridges and overpasses freeze sooner than roadways, so drivers should slow down and proceed with caution.

Director Moore says in Rowan County, he is most concerned with reminding residents to bring their pets inside, as the temperature drop will likely kill domestic animals. Local leadership is also concerned with safety concerning the use of emergency generators and rarely-used fireplaces. Moore reminds residents that generators and fireplaces can pose significant risks.