January weather is getting an early start on the Buffalo Trace Region and Ohio River Valley. Precipitation flirted with area residents over the weekend and is expected to get serious on Monday morning.
There are also possibilities of temperatures in the teens in valley locations; but generally 20 to 30 degrees below normal for this time of year, officials at the National Weather Service in Wilmington said for the upcoming week.
Most of the Buffalo Trace area is under a Winter Weather Warning from 4 a.m. Monday through 4 p.m., Monday, meaning conditions are right to bring slick conditions as rain turns to snow.
Rain should be turning to snow by Monday morning in Bracken Mason, Robertson and Fleming Counties in Kentucky and Brown and Adams Counties in Ohio, officials said.
Bracken, Robertson and Brown County could see 1-4 inches of snow, while Mason, Fleming and Adams Counties are predicted to receive 1-2 inches of snow.
For areas on the edge of the storm, including Lewis County, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect, with travel caution advised.
According to the National Weather Service office in Jackson, snow will cause travel difficulties and drivers should be prepared for low visibility and snow covered roads in the advisory area. Overnight Sunday to Monday, mainly rain events are expected until colder air reaches the area.
On Monday more cold air is expected to move from the northwest to southeast, ridge-tops in southeastern Kentucky, above 2,000 feet could also see 1-4 inches of snow.
Officials at the Ohio Department of Transportation said its crews are ready for the weather and had a brief encounter on Sunday.
“With the arrival of winter weather in southern Ohio, crews from ODOT's Brown County maintenance facility have been dispatched (Sunday) morning to treat for snow and ice,” said Kathleen Fuller, ODOT District 9 spokesperson. “Although heavier precipitation is not expected until late Sunday or early Monday, a small wave of snow has left roadways wet and slick in some areas. As such, crews will be patrolling and spot treating the state highway system today.”
“Motorists are reminded of the additional need for caution when traveling during inclement weather. Drivers need to reduce their speed, allow additional travel time and maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles,” she said.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet snow and ice removal crews are also prepared to combat ice and snow on Kentucky roadways in the Northern Kentucky area, officials said on Friday.
“We have asked our snow fighters to make sure equipment is ready to go by the end of the day as well as be prepared for a phone call to come in on Sunday,” said Nancy Wood, KTC District 6 spokesperson. “The District Office staff on duty will monitor the weather over the weekend and proceed as needed.”
She also advised motorists to prepare for winter driving, by making sure vehicles are winterized, gas tanks are at least two-thirds full, informing friends or family members of travel plans, and wearing layered loose fitting clothing in case of an emergency.
In Kentucky you can check the forecast and call 511 or visit: http://511.ky.gov for the latest condition reports before traveling.
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