UPDATE 2/16 7:55 a.m.: The winter weather system hitting the region Monday will pack a larger punch than previously thought. The National Weather Service predicts up to 12 inches of snowfall across our listening area through Monday afternoon. A winter storm warning is in effect for the region until 6 p.m. CST Monday.
The Calloway County Emergency Operations Center opened Monday morning after a declaration of a state of emergency Sunday night due to the weather.
"The meeting this morning was for coordination for EMS and utilities personnel. Authorities cautioned everyone about hazardous road conditions deteriorating throughout the day," said WKMS station director Kate Lochte, who attended the meeting.
Officials at the meeting urged residents to stay off the roads, check in on their neighbors and keep an eye out for closings and cancellations.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd released the following statement at 7:21 a.m. regarding road conditions throughout the region:
Motorists are asked to avoid unnecessary travel. If you do venture out, be sure you are fully prepared for the extreme cold and difficult driving conditions you are likely to encounter. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews in District 1 and District 2 have the following county-by-county report: District 1 Paducah Time: 7:21 a.m., CST Weather: Snowing Weather: Sleeting Air Temperature: 21 Road Temperature: 24 Comments: Primarily only snow falling across the district at this time. Fulton reporting more sleet than snow at this time. We had a crash that temporarily blocked the US 641 Spur at the Pennyrile Parkway Interchange. A SEMI was blocking the roadway causing traffic to back up onto the Purchase. That crash site has now cleared. Crews are plowing, but the rate of snowfall is making it difficult to keep up. All roadway are snow packed. While Interstate 24 traffic is moving pretty steady at about 40 mph, it is really slow-going on our “C” Snow Priority routes. Plowing & treating: Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Trigg
From now until at least next Saturday, temperatures aren't expected to rise above freezing.
You can find the full NWS report here. Alternatively, you can view the NWS's multimedia report here.
We'll maintain a separate post as school closings come in Sunday night and Monday morning.
ORIGINAL: The National Weather Service is predicting up to several inches of snow to hit our listening area over President’s Day weekend.
Today and tomorrow, highs will be in the mid-30s, but a cold system is expected to produce some flurries Saturday night, and a 50 percent chance of snow is called for Sunday afternoon and evening.
NWS Paducah Meteorologist Mike York says a major winter event is not predicted, but some areas should expect some accumulation of snowfall.
“We’re thinking maybe a light to moderate snowfall," said York. "The range of possibilities is anywhere from about an inch to maybe as much as several inches. It doesn’t look like a blockbuster heavy snowfall event, but it looks like more than a dusting. As it closer we’ll have a better idea of the amount.”
Monday, there’s a 40 percent chance of snow with a high near 29 and a slight chance of snow persisting until Thursday.
Our region experienced major winter events the last two years. York says there’s no indication of another major event occurring this year, but it’s still wait and see.
