How do I check on Lexington road conditions during this weekend’s winter storm?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lexington activated its emergency winter plan; expect dangerous driving conditions.
- Check city snow-and-ice updates, live traffic cameras and LEX TV livestream.
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will deploy about 1,500 plow trucks for state highways.
While people are encouraged to avoid traveling during this weekend’s impactful winter storm, there are several ways for drivers to check on road conditions.
The snowstorm is expected to arrive in the region between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and depart around midnight Sunday into Monday. The National Weather Service said the snowstorm could cause major impacts, including dangerous to impossible driving conditions.
There is a 60% chance Lexington will experience major impacts, according to the NWS.
In Lexington, drivers can check the status of the roads on the city’s snow and ice updates webpage. The latest update posted on the webpage announced the activation of the city’s emergency winter weather plan, which is used when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or when severe weather occurs.
People can also check the city’s live traffic cameras to get real-time views of the road conditions.
City officials plan to host a news conference at 4 p.m. Thursday to discuss preparations for the snowstorm. The news conference will be livestreamed on LEX TV’s YouTube page.
Drivers can also check the status of state highways on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s interactive traffic map. The cabinet said it’s prepared to send out nearly 1,500 state-owned and contracted plow trucks to help clear the roads.
“During winter storms, particularly when arctic temperatures are possible, our priority is safety,” Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said in a news release. “Crews will work to keep state highways passable and ensure access for emergency personnel responding to downed power lines or other issues.”
The storm is being fueled by three key ingredients: lift, moisture and cold air. NWS meteorologist Brian Schoettmer told the Herald-Leader Wednesday that these three elements make it possible to produce rare and large snowstorms like the one forecast for this weekend.
The NWS issued a winter storm watch for the entire state Wednesday in anticipation of the snowstorm. The watch is in effect from late Friday night through Monday morning.
