Lexington prepared, but snow expected to be limited Saturday

Minor snow accumulation will be possible in the Lexington area on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service projects around a half-inch of snow Saturday, with the best chance of snow accumulation along and north of Interstate 64. The temperature will be in the 20s and low 30s for most of the day and night on Saturday in Lexington, the weather service said.

Following Saturday’s chance of accumulation, there could be additional snow as early as Monday night, according to WKYT meteorologist Chris Bailey.

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray said the city is ready for the snow.

“We’ve got a barn full of salt, and our crews are already on the streets pre-treating,” he said in a statement.

Lexington’s Divisions of Streets & Roads and Water Quality will handle calls of slick roads and respond to those areas as needed, the city said in a news release.

Bridges, overpasses and elevated areas of state roads and interstates were pre-treated Thursday and Friday, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7, which includes Fayette and about 11 surrounding counties, said. Application of a salt-water treatment helps melt and prevent ice.

Lexington has 6,000 tons of salt on hand and 40 trucks dedicated to snow removal with 100 drivers, officials said earlier this week.

“We have worked to recruit more drivers and are working with other city departments to get more CDL drivers,” Rob Allen, deputy director of streets and roads, said.

There were only six responses for winter weather last year and just two real snows, according to the city.

Due in part to city officials opting not to have a private contractor on standby this year, the city might take as long as 36 hours to clear all streets if there is a major snow event.

With the temperatures continuing to drop, Kentucky American Water sent a release on Friday reminding customers how to prevent water pipes from freezing. They advise customers to search their house for uninsulated pipes, seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations with caulking, disconnect and drain garden hoses, and set their thermostats no lower than 55 degrees when going out of town.

This story was originally published December 8, 2017 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Lexington prepared, but snow expected to be limited Saturday."