NWS cancels winter storm warning for Lexington after it receives over two inches of snow
An impactful winter storm arrived in Kentucky Tuesday morning and left some areas with a large amount of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Approximately 6 to 7 inches of snow fell in Madison County, according to NWS meteorologist Ryan Sharp. Meteorologists in the area forecast discussion said locations from Bardstown and Danville through Lancaster and Richmond got 4 to 6 inches of snow.
“Right now it’s playing out in the Danville to Richmond areas as far as the higher values, but we’ll see some higher values come up to the Lexington area as well as the snow continues through the morning hours,” Sharp said.
At 7 a.m. the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington had received one inch of snow, according to Sharp. Later Tuesday afternoon the NWS said the snow accumulation reading at the airport was 2.3 inches. Other unofficial reports, such as posts on social media and weather spotters, suggest Lexington got up to three inches of snow.
The snow is expected to stop and transition to rain on Tuesday afternoon.
Fayette County and other Central Kentucky counties were under a winter storm warning when the storm hit Tuesday morning, but the warning was canceled shortly after 2 p.m., according to the NWS. The area is still under a winter weather advisory until 11 p.m., as another inch of snow and a very light glaze of ice on top of the snow cover is still possible.
Other areas of northeastern Kentucky are still under a winter storm warning, in effect until 11 p.m., according to the NWS. Heavy snow is expected along with light freezing rain.
A cold front is bringing a mix of precipitation to the state. The NWS said areas north of Kentucky’s parkways are expected to get snow, while areas south of the parkways should get rain.
The largest snow accumulation is expected to be between I-64 and the Bluegrass and Western Kentucky parkways, according to the NWS.
Areas south of I-64 should see the transition from snow to rain in the early afternoon, according to the NWS. A trained weather spotter near Perryville has reported the transition has already happened.
Lexington road conditions
The snowfall is expected to be at its heaviest during the morning into the early afternoon, leaving untreated roads in poor condition during the evening commute. Slick roads and difficult travel conditions are expected, and visibility will be reduced during the morning commute because of heavy snowfall, according to the NWS.
The NWS said conditions should improve Wednesday after warmer temperatures and rain melt the snowfall. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said Monday the city is more prepared for this storm after Winter Storm Blair left many roads frozen and schools closed for days.
The city’s streets and roads department said it pre-treated the roads with salt brine and Beet Heet in anticipation of the storm. Still, people are encouraged to stay off the roads unless necessary.
On-call staff began working at midnight and will continue to work throughout the day, according to the streets and roads department.
Flight delays, cancellations due to weather
Several flights in and out of Blue Grass Airport were affected by Tuesday’s storm. The airport’s flight board showed two arriving American Airlines flights out of Philadelphia and Charlotte canceled. The return and departing flights to Philadelphia and Charlotte were also canceled. Other morning flights were also delayed.
Lexington police said it responded to 12 collisions, six reports of motorists needing assistance and one report of a traffic hazard between midnight and 7:30 a.m.
Flood watch due to rain in KY
Approximately 1 to 2 inches of rain has fallen so far in Southern Kentucky, according to the NWS. The rain has been steady and slow, so it’s absorbing into the ground and no flooding has been reported.
However, another half to three-quarters of an inch of rain is expected this afternoon, so minor flooding is still a possibility, according to the NWS.
Some parts of of Southern Kentucky are under a flood watch that’s expected to be in effect through Wednesday morning. The NWS said areas of south-central and Eastern Kentucky could get 1 to 2 inches of rain from the storm.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks and low-water crossings may get flooded, according to the NWS. Additional rain is expected later in the week, creating more chances of flooding.
Minor river flooding is expected on the Cumberland, Green, Kentucky and Ohio Rivers through Friday, the NWS said.
Classes canceled for Fayette County Public Schools, University of Kentucky
Fayette County Public Schools announced Monday it would be canceling in-person classes and using a non-traditional instruction day Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution.” It will be the district’s fifth at-home learning day.
The University of Kentucky canceled its classes Tuesday. The university said UK HealthCare facilities remain open.
Lexington city offices that are not involved in winter weather work are operating on a two-hour delay Tuesday. Gov. Andy Beshear closed all executive branch offices Tuesday because of the forecast.
This story was originally published February 11, 2025 at 7:32 AM.
