SOMERSET, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2022) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 highway crews have been preparing for several days to respond to the winter storm expected to impact the region with a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for rain gradually transitioning over to a wintry mix of freezing rain in the District 8 region Thursday afternoon and lasting into Friday. The expected ice and arctic temperatures will create difficult to impossible travel conditions.
Damage to trees and power lines is likely – a condition that poses its own dangers to KYTC crews and can delay road response work. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid any unnecessary travel.
KYTC District 8 crews have spent this week replenishing material supplies, sharpening chainsaws, and preparing equipment for response to the winter weather event. Rain throughout today will prohibit pre-treating of area highways in advance of the approaching winter system.
Snowfighters will do all they can to keep highways passable, but it’s likely roads will not be clear until after the storm passes.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says crews are as prepared as they can be, and asks that the public prepare, too, with four specific requests:
- Limit travel to what’s necessary when snow and ice are on the roads;
- Give snow plows and crew members plenty of room on the road;
- Ensure personal vehicles are winter ready, with the recommendation of keeping an emergency kit in vehicles; and
- Mask up to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help protect against the quarantine of plow crews essential to roadway treatment.
Stay up to date by visiting SnowKy.ky.gov for snow and ice information and GoKY.ky.gov for traffic and roadway information. Follow District 8 updates on Twitter and Facebook at http://twitter.com/
KYTC District 8 is responsible for maintaining state highways in Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell and Wayne counties.
