Mount Sterling, KY – A quick-hitting burst of snow and freezing rain will glaze roads across eastern Kentucky late tonight, creating hazardous conditions for the Tuesday morning commute from the I-64 corridor south into the higher ridges.
According to the National Weather Service Jackson, a Winter Weather Advisory begins at 9 p.m. for Fleming, Montgomery, Bath, Rowan, Menifee, Elliott, Morgan, Estill, Powell, Rockcastle, Jackson, and Wolfe counties. Snow totals will range from 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher pockets near 4 inches along and north of I-64. Light icing under one-tenth of an inch is expected across Estill, Powell, Jackson, and nearby counties, while up to two-tenths is possible closer to Morehead and Flemingsburg.
According to forecasters, the mix will develop quickly after sunset as colder air filters in from the north. Slick bridges and elevated surfaces will form first, followed by widespread slippery pavement before sunrise. Commuters using I-64, the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, and local routes connecting Campton, Irvine, Stanton, and West Liberty should plan for reduced speeds and longer stopping distances.
According to Kentucky transportation officials, crews will pretreat major routes where possible, but precipitation timing may hinder efforts. Motorists should keep headlights clear, avoid sudden braking, and allow extra space around trucks and plows. Residents in hilly terrain near Brodhead, Annville, and McKee should be ready for spotty power flickers if ice briefly coats lines and tree limbs.
Charge devices, allow extra time for the morning drive, and consider delaying nonessential travel until temperatures rise late morning.
