Snow causes traffic hazards in Lexington. Severely cold temperatures expected
Drivers in Lexington were encouraged to drive cautiously or avoid travel altogether Friday after the area received several inches of snow, and the concern over travel was likely to extend into the weekend as temperatures were expected to plummet.
Crews treated roads with a combination of a beet mixture and brine prior to Thursday evening’s snow. Continued snow fall throughout the night meant streets and road crews had to restart on the highest priority roads each time. Lower priority roads were not plowed as often, city officials said Friday.
The accumulation on the ground won’t melt quickly: A wind chill advisory was expected for Friday night through Saturday morning in Kentucky with wind chill temperatures expected to go below zero degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NWS.
The cold temperatures will last through the weekend, with the highs on Saturday and Sunday projected to be in the low 20s and high 20s. The NWS said temperatures are expected to go above freezing again Monday.
Next week’s weather will feature warmer temperatures and widespread rainfall, according to the NWS.
“Crews are continuing to treat and plow throughout the day,” Lexington officials said. “Evening and night temperatures will be monitored for refreezing.”
Sidewalk crews will be focusing on downtown in preparation for Saturday’s University of Kentucky men’s basketball game.
As the city works to clear streets and sidewalks, extreme cold will set in for the rest of the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. As of 9:30 a.m., NWS officials said the city received between 2.8 and 3.3 inches of snow. An additional half inch of snow could fall in some parts of Fayette County.
“Residents should take extra caution when driving this morning,” the city said in a news release. “The roads can be slick after refreezing last night.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet encouraged drivers to alter their plans to avoid driving on the roads during peak weather hours. The cabinet also provided a list of tips in preparation for driving in winter weather:
Drive with a full tank of gas.
Pack an emergency car kit with essential items like blankets, ice scrapers, jumper cables, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and a first aid kit.
Ensure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly before travel.
Drive cautiously and leave plenty of space.
Allow more time to travel for routine commutes and expect delays.
Has weather caused Lexington traffic issues?
The Lexington Police Department shared similar tips and asked drivers to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. Between 6 a.m. and noon Friday, Lexington Police responded to 20 non-injury collisions, seven calls for motorist assistance and five calls of traffic hazards.
Lexington police said if people have to travel, they should check road conditions through the city’s traffic cameras and check the weather forecast. Anyone who needs assistance or sees someone who needs assistance is encouraged to call 859-258-3600.
“Please consider staying home and avoiding any unnecessary travel,” Lexington police said in a Facebook post.
Weather prompts delays at city buildings, UK
The city and the University of Kentucky were operating on a two-hour delay Friday due to the weather conditions. UK said its health care facilities were following a regular schedule but all in-person classes and activities before 10 a.m. were canceled.
Fayette County Public Schools announced a traditional snow day for Friday with no remote learning, district spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith said Thursday.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office activated its Winter Care program for Friday. The following services are included in the program:
- Transportation to and from employment for health care industry employees.
- Transportation to and from a critical medical appointment.
- Pick-up of critical prescription medications.
- Welfare checks for vulnerable citizens.
- Distribution of winter coats and blankets.
- Transportation to shelters.
Waste collection for garbage and recyclables was canceled Friday. The city said a make-up day has been scheduled for next Wednesday.
The Parks & Recreation Department canceled its planned Saturday events due to weather, according to the city. The LexArts Hop, including the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center stop, which was scheduled for Friday, has been postponed to Jan. 26.
The Lexington Black History Guided Walk scheduled for Sunday was rescheduled for March 30.
The Dunbar Community Center will be closed Saturday, and city golf courses will be closed all weekend, the department said in a news release.
More cold in Kentucky’s forecast
Fayette County and virtually all of Kentucky were under a winter weather advisory until at least 7 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. An additional round of snowfall up to an inch was expected during the Friday morning commute, creating hazardous and slick driving conditions and further complicating snow removal efforts.
Harlan, Letcher and Pike counties were placed under a winter storm warning until 7 a.m. Saturday. The NWS said heavy snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches were expected and the snow was expected to mix with freezing drizzle Friday morning.
This story was originally published January 19, 2024 at 7:58 AM.
