Brutally cold temperatures and high winds have hampered Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Crews in their attempts to keep highways in Paducah and McCracken County as free of snow and ice as possible. Driving conditions across western Kentucky deteriorated as temperatures dropped overnight. Once temperatures drop below about 18 degrees, salt and other ice fighting chemicals lose their effectiveness.
Drifting snow was a problem on Sunday and continues to be a problem for the Monday commute as gusty winds continue to blow snow across roadways as quickly as crews can plow it away. As drivers start looking to prepare for the Monday morning commute, highway engineers are advising everyone to allow extra driving time in the morning and use appropriate caution. Due to temperatures down in the teens overnight some slick spots are going to remain. The cold temperatures can also cause re-freezing overnight creating an additional hazard on the morning commute.
The US Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the entire state of Kentucky. Motorists are advised to dress warmly and be prepared for what's out there. With temperatures down in the teens overnight, something as simple as a flat tire or running out of gas that might otherwise be an inconvenience can turn into a life-threatening situation.
No vehicle is invulnerable during this type of weather. A snow plow slid into a ditch in Muhlenberg County late Sunday afternoon. As of Monday morning, there have been no weather related injuries from the system that moved through western Kentucky this weekend.
Highway crews are continuing to do their part to treat roadways in an effort to clear away as much ice and snow as possible. Help yourself and them by slowing down and being prepared for extreme weather conditions out on the road.
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