Kentucky — Cold air settles in early this morning, and the stillness feels temporary. Gray skies and a quiet chill hint at a winter system now organizing to the southwest, with snow becoming the dominant concern as the weekend approaches.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday morning for much of western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and southeast Missouri. Periods of moderate to heavy snow are possible, with total accumulations exceeding 5 inches in parts of the watch area. The highest snow totals are most likely near the Arkansas and Tennessee borders, including western Kentucky and southeast Missouri.
Communities such as Paducah, Mayfield, Murray, Owensboro, Henderson, Cape Girardeau, and Poplar Bluff sit squarely in the zone of concern. Snowfall may arrive in waves, reducing visibility and covering roads quickly during heavier bands. Travel could become very difficult, especially late Friday night into Saturday.
Major routes including I-24, I-57, and U.S. 60 are likely to see deteriorating conditions as snow accumulates. Even brief lulls may offer little relief, as cold pavement allows snow to compact and turn slick. Drivers should expect slow travel and plan for possible delays.
Temperatures remain cold enough throughout the event to support all snow. Little melting is expected, increasing the risk of icy roads through Sunday morning. Emergency managers urge residents to monitor updates closely as snowfall placement and totals become clearer.
Looking beyond the weekend, the 6–10 day outlook favors below-normal temperatures across the region, suggesting lingering winter conditions may persist into early next week.
