What originally was predicted as a winter storm bringing a heavy buildup of ice in parts of Central Kentucky was downgraded to an expectation of light icing overnight Tuesday.

The National Weather Service canceled its winter storm warning late Tuesday, issuing a winter weather advisory instead. The service said light freezing rain and occasional sleet would taper off after midnight, leaving less than a quarter-inch accumulation of ice that could cause slick roads and overpasses during the morning commute.

The area affected was expected to be a narrow band from southwest to northeast in Kentucky, from west of Bowling Green to Lexington.

In Lexington, crews began preparing streets for sleet Tuesday afternoon, spreading salt brine on "trouble spots" such as hills, bridges and approaches to stoplights.

"The plan is to be staffed with 24-hour coverage," Mayor Jim Gray said in a news release. "We're ready."

On snowy and icy days, Fayette County Public Schools officials typically begin assessing road conditions about 2:30 a.m. and make a decision by 5 a.m. whether to close or delay school.

The system canceled all after-school activities Tuesday in anticipation of bad weather.