FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2026) – Team Kentucky state highway crews have been active and on high alert today as the winter storm sweeps from west to east bringing snow, ice and extreme cold for days to come. A fleet of nearly 1,500 plow trucks are on deck to keep routes passable during the major weather event that could bring a foot of snow or more in northern Kentucky and up to three-quarters of an inch of ice in some southern parts of the state. Kentuckians are encouraged to continue avoiding unnecessary travel to give crews room to work as roadways which will be heavily impacted.

“As crews deploy across Kentucky, they’re reporting below normal traffic which will help efforts to keep priority routes passable and allow crews and first responders room to work,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “We appreciate the public taking this threat seriously and avoiding unnecessary travel as we expect road conditions to deteriorate over the course of the weather event. For those that have to go out, a full tank of gas and an emergency car kit could be lifesaving if stranded while temperatures remain dangerously cold.”

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews and contractors have been treating and plowing in the western, central and southern portions of the state this morning and afternoon, while northern and eastern crews are now on roads as snow entered those regions later in the day.  

A multi-day event with sustained, extreme cold temperatures means high-priority routes like interstates, parkways, and major highways will likely need continual plowing by trucks to ensure they remain passable for emergency responders. Days ahead of the event, crews statewide conducted heavy pretreating of routes to reduce ice bonding to pavement.

Ahead of the storm, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, activating state resources, including Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG), to prepare and protect communities across Kentucky. Additionally, Secretary Gray issued an official order temporarily waiving hours of service and weigh station stop restrictions for motor carriers to bolster relief efforts. On Saturday, the Governor also announced the President has approved an emergency declaration for the state, making federal aid immediately available.

“We’ve been tracking this system all week and our teams have been preparing and partnering to do all we can to serve our communities during this unique event,” said Secretary Gray. “Like other states, we’re up against tough winter conditions. Wet roads and near-zero temperatures allow ice to stick, reduce the effectiveness of treatment, and create slick spots that are difficult to see after dark. That’s why we’re asking everyone who can to stay safe at home.”  

In addition to plowing snow and treating roadways, crews remain ready to clear downed trees alongside the Division of Forestry and other agencies, and to coordinate with utility companies working to restore power lines that block traffic.

KYTC maintains 28,000 miles of roadway and began the event with a stockpile of 311,000 tons of salt and over 1 million gallons of brine for anti-icing efforts. Crews operate using a four-tier priority system to keep people and commerce moving in the most effective way possible. 

Emergency Car Kit Suggested Items for Drivers 

• First aid kit 
• Extra coat, gloves, and blankets or sleeping bag 
• Non-perishable food and water 
• Baby formula, diapers, wipes 
• Flashlight with extra batteries 
• Portable phone chargers 
• Pet food, water, leash, bowl 
• Medications 
• Ice scraper and jumper cables 
• Shovel, and a bag of sand or litter 

What To Do if Traffic Signals Are Not Working: 

• Flashing yellow, proceed with caution 
• Flashing red, treat as a stop sign 
• No signal lights, treat as a 4-way stop 

What To Do When a Downed Power Line Is on the Roadway: 

• Never touch or drive over a fallen power line; report the issue to the power company. 
• If a power line has fallen on your vehicle, STAY INSIDE, do not exit, and call 911. 
• Assume all downed power lines are live and DO NOT attempt to move. 

Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, traffic cameras, tips and localized highway district updates. Do not call 911 for road conditions.