A Major Winter Storm Is Impacting Central and Eastern Kentucky
Snow has been falling steadily across much of the area today, and while some western locations are currently seeing a brief lull, this is far from over. Additional rounds of heavy precipitation are expected to fill back in as we head through the evening and overnight hours. Road conditions have already turned hazardous this afternoon, and they will only continue to deteriorate as we move deeper into the weekend.
This storm is bringing a wide range of impacts across the viewing area, including heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerous cold that will linger well after the precipitation ends.
Heavy Snow Continues, With Ice Becoming a Bigger Concern Tonight
Across the Bluegrass region and areas north, snowfall remains the dominant precipitation type, with heavy bands expected at times. These bands may produce snowfall rates of an inch per hour or more overnight, leading to rapidly deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility will be reduced at times, especially where heavier snow bands set up.
Farther south, especially near and south of the Parkways, warmer air a few thousand feet above the ground is beginning to work its way into the region. This is causing snow to transition to sleet and freezing rain, increasing the threat for significant ice accumulation as the night goes on.
Expected Snow and Ice Totals Across the Region
Snowfall and ice totals will vary significantly from north to south, depending on how much sleet and freezing rain mixes in.
- Northern Kentucky:
- Snow totals of 10 to 12 inches, with locally higher amounts possible farther north.
- Bluegrass region:
- Snow totals of 6 to 8 inches, with locally higher amounts of 9 inches +.
- Central Kentucky (including Richmond, Danville, Mount Vernon):
- Around 4 to 8 inches of snow.
- Southern Kentucky:
- Snow amounts drop off to 2 to 4 inches, but this is where ice becomes the main concern.
Because of the sharp transition zone between snow and ice, totals could shift north or south slightly as the storm evolves.
Sunday Brings a Messy Mix and Major Travel Impacts
As we head into Sunday, much of the southern half of the viewing area will transition from snow to sleet and freezing rain. This changeover is driven by a wedge of warm air aloft that melts falling snow before it refreezes near the surface.
Ice accumulations could reach 0.50 inches or more in parts of southern Kentucky, especially near the Lake Cumberland region. Around Lexington, ice amounts may range from a light glaze up to around 0.25 inches…