Snow showers creating some slick spots mainly on bridges and overpasses
PADUCAH, Ky. (January 13, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 Snow and Ice Team has trucks out on sections of Interstate 24 and Interstate 69 spot treating bridges and overpasses tonight.
Snow and Ice Team members monitoring area highways observed some snow accumulating on bridge decks after radar indicated a line of heavier snow showers had set up along I-24 and I-69 between Calvert City and Princeton. Some snow was starting to stick on elevated surfaces.
A couple of trucks have been assigned to spread salt on bridge and overpass decks near those locations. Snow and Ice Team personnel are continuing to check potential trouble spots in the area and will assign trucks to spot treat as needed.
In addition to a Winter Weather Advisory with a round of light snow expected tonight, the National Weather Service (NWS) indicates another round of heavier snow is expected Sunday night into Monday with up to 3 inches of accumulation along the KY-TN border with lesser amounts to the north. Please check the NWS forecast frequently for updates (https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah).
The system also brings what is expected to be the longest streak of extreme cold in more than 20 years. Lows are expected in the single digits, with winds creating a wind chill factor of -10 to -20.
District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat encourages area motorists to be weather-aware as the region braces for a hazardous round of winter weather continuing well into next week. Anyone who ventures out should gear up to be fully prepared for the extreme cold.
KYTC District 1 has about 200 employees involved in snow response efforts with 115 snow plows, five tow-plows, and 17 contract plows to cover 2,850 miles of highway in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties. The district includes almost 70 miles of Interstate 24 and 73 miles of I-69 and the Purchase Parkway.
Statewide, more than 1,400 plow trucks are on deck with more than 2,000 staff and crew members trained and prepped to keep travelers moving.
Driver Tips This Winter Season
Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase. Motorists, too, need to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
- Travel only when necessary during major snow events.
- Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and a first aid kit should you get stranded on the road.
- Winterize your vehicle. Check your car battery, tire pressure and brakes. Ensure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.
- When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you drive. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in poor weather, so brake early and slowly.
- Pay attention to weather advisories and allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice – a thin coating of hard-to-see clear ice that can form on the pavement surface.
- Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment, and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
- Know before you go. Download the free WAZE app or visit ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel. The map also offers access to select traffic cameras on interstates and parkways.
- Buckle up! Phone down! Eliminate distractions while driving.
Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates. Additional winter weather tips are available at Ready.Gov.
