Paducah, Kentucky – A winter storm is increasingly likely to impact the Quad State region late this week, with snow, possible ice, and sharply colder air expected to arrive Friday night and continue into the weekend. Travel disruptions could develop quickly as precipitation spreads across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and southwest Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, confidence continues to grow that accumulating snow will be the primary threat for much of the region, though some freezing rain cannot yet be ruled out. Current probabilities show a 50 to 70 percent chance of at least one inch of snow across much of western Kentucky and southern Illinois, with a 30 to 60 percent chance of two inches or more. The chance for four inches or more remains lower but could increase as details come into focus.
The exact track of the storm and placement of heavier snow bands remain uncertain, and the onset of precipitation may be delayed by dry Arctic air pushing south. Even so, forecasters stress that hazardous travel could begin as early as Friday night, especially along I-24, I-57, I-69, U.S. 60, and secondary roads.
Behind the system, Arctic air is expected to settle in, bringing bitter cold and dangerous wind chills through the weekend. Residents are urged to prepare now, limit travel during the storm, and continue monitoring updates as watches and advisories may be issued as confidence increases.
