Hazard, Kentucky – Bursts of snow squalls sweeping across eastern Kentucky Monday night could cut visibility to one-quarter mile within minutes, creating slushy and hazardous driving conditions across the Appalachian region through early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 2 a.m. EDT Tuesday for Bell, Floyd, Knott, Perry, Leslie, and Martin counties. Snow showers and squalls may produce 1 to 2 inches of accumulation, with locally higher totals above 1,500 feet. Wind gusts up to 30 mph may push snow across roads in communities including Hazard, Prestonsburg, Pineville, Hyden, Hindman, and Inez.
The biggest concern is rapid visibility drops in heavier snow bursts, which could briefly reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less, especially on mountain routes such as U.S. 23, KY 15, and KY 80.
Farther southeast in Harlan and Letcher counties, snowfall totals could reach 1 to 3 inches through 8 a.m. Tuesday, with colder temperatures falling into the 20s at lower elevations and the teens above 2,500 feet. These conditions may lead to slick roads near Harlan, Whitesburg, Jenkins, and Cumberland during the Tuesday morning commute.
Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra braking distance, and check GoKY road updates before traveling. Snow showers are expected to taper later Tuesday morning, though icy patches may linger in higher elevations.
