Paducah, Kentucky – A major winter storm delivered heavy snow and ice across the Quad State region January 24–25, creating dangerous travel conditions and widespread disruptions along key highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, light to moderate snow began early Saturday, January 24, before intensifying later in the day and continuing into Sunday morning. While much of the region initially received 1 to 4 inches of snow, heavier bands developed Saturday night, producing significantly higher totals north of the Ohio River and across portions of southern Illinois and southwest Indiana.
Snowfall amounts ranged from 4 to 8 inches across much of western Kentucky, including Paducah, where an official total of 8.2 inches was recorded, ranking as the city’s seventh-largest snowstorm on record. Areas near I-24 and US-60 experienced snow-covered roadways for extended periods due to temperatures remaining in the teens and 20s.
Farther north, totals increased sharply. Mount Vernon, Illinois reported 12 to 13 inches of snow, while portions of southern Illinois along I-64 and I-57 exceeded one foot. Evansville, Indiana recorded approximately 12.5 inches, making it the city’s second-largest snowstorm on record. Snowfall of 8 to 10 inches was also reported near I-55 in southeast Missouri, including Cape Girardeau.
In southern sections of the region, warmer air aloft led to sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulations of a glaze to one-tenth of an inch were common, with localized higher amounts reported in parts of western Tennessee and northern Mississippi. These conditions contributed to hazardous bridges, untreated roads, and difficult cleanup efforts.
The National Weather Service noted snow remained on road surfaces throughout the event, significantly impacting travel for commuters, students, and emergency responders. Officials advise continued caution as residual snow and ice may linger in shaded and rural areas.
