2024 ended with mild weather in the commonwealth, but officials say cold temperatures, snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to hit in the first week of the new year.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Eastern Kentucky from January 5 at 7 a.m. until January 7 at 7 a.m. Rowan County Judge Executive Harry Clark has also declared a state of emergency for the county. From January 5 at noon until 6 p.m. on January 6, all residents are asked to stay off roadways if possible so crews can effectively respond to weather emergencies.
Pete Geogerian is the service hydrologist with the National Weather Service Jackson. He said there are certain conditions meteorologists look for when trying to predict winter weather.
“[There’s] larger scale circulations in the atmosphere we look at. And when certain aspects of these go to what we call a negative phase, that can be pretty indicative of cold air moving south and we’re kind of seeing that,” said Geogerian.
Geogerian said for people who have to drive, like essential employees, one step they can take toward safety is winterizing their car. This includes checking radiator fluid, wipers, and most importantly, tires.
“Even if the road is just wet, you know, if your tires aren’t as good as they once were, it can affect drivability of the vehicle quite a bit,” said Geogerian. “So, tires is probably one of the most basic things you can just check and make sure they’re properly inflated, especially if they’re a little bit more worn. If they’re due to be replaced, try and replace them sooner than later.”
MSU will operate on Weather Plan B Monday, January 6. Offices will be closed in-person.
For the latest weather warnings, advisories, and watches, stay tuned to 90.3, WMKY.