Updated: Ice likely in Central, Eastern Kentucky. Lexington activates emergency plan
Ice and snow could cause significant problems in Lexington and other areas of Central and Eastern Kentucky later this week, according to forecasters and the National Weather Service.
Snow pounded some areas of northern Kentucky overnight into Tuesday.
Northern Kentucky into Southern Ohio had snow-covered roads, with Interstate 75 shut down in downtown Cincinnati.
WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey wrote Tuesday morning that some areas of Northern Kentucky woke up to 10 inches of snow or more.
The biggest threat to Central and Eastern Kentucky appears to be what follows.
Central Kentucky and parts of Eastern Kentucky will likely get freezing rain late Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, with snow in the northern part of the state and rain in the southern part of the state.
The weather service warned heavy mixed precipitation is possible from late Tuesday through Thursday. Total ice accumulations of one-tenth to one-half inch are possible in Lexington and parts of Central and Eastern Kentucky with some higher amounts possible in pockets.
Bailey wrote Tuesday morning that it could be between one-quarter of an inch and three-quarters of an inch of ice, with some areas even potentially getting nearly an inch.
The heaviest icing is expected in a zone parallel to the Western Kentucky and Bluegrass Parkways. Some portions would get some snow in addition to the ice, the weather service said. A winter storm watch was issued for late Tuesday through Thursday afternoon.
“Some uncertainty remains in the final storm track, but at this time, it appears a significant icing event is likely to occur over the area,” the National Weather Service said.
Ice endangers trees, and ice-heavy trees threaten power lines.
Temperatures in Lexington are expected to dip below freezing every day from Tuesday to Friday. The low Thursday night is expected to be 20 degrees, with a high of just 30 degrees Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
“A harsh winter pattern continues to unfold across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and surrounding areas,” WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey wrote Monday morning. “We have multiple winter weather makers working in that will have a significant impact. The most concerning issue is the increasing threat for widespread freezing rain by the middle of the week.”
The National Weather Service advised people to expect slick roads and sidewalks and use caution while driving.
Lexington activates emergency winter weather plan
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government activated the Community Emergency Winter Weather Plan, which will remain in effect until Friday morning.
The plan makes accommodations for homeless Lexington residents at risk in winter weather. Anyone who sees or knows someone in need of emergency shelter is asked to call Street Outreach at (859) 533-9199. If it’s between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., call (859) 494-0470.
The Hope Center’s shelter is open for men 18 years and older, and anyone who can go to that shelter will be required to do so, according to Lexington Emergency Management. The Salvation Army is also open for women and women with children.
Some families may be eligible to receive shelter in motel rooms. But families who can’t be split up into other shelters and can’t afford to get a motel or hotel room themselves will be prioritized. Those banned from the Hope Center or the Salvation Army may also receive shelter in a motel, according to Lexington Emergency Management.
This story was originally published February 8, 2021 at 12:16 PM.