JACKSON, Ky. — A significant winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, ice accumulation and dangerous travel conditions to much of eastern Kentucky, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning effective from Saturday morning through Monday morning.
Forecasters said areas along and northwest of a line from Pulaski County to Pike County could see the heaviest snowfall, with 7 to 14 inches expected. The highest totals are forecast near the Interstate 64 corridor, where prolonged snowfall could make roads nearly impassable.
Farther southeast, including parts of southeast and south-central Kentucky, the storm is expected to produce a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Snow accumulations in those areas are forecast to range from 3 to 7 inches, while ice accumulations of one-tenth to four-tenths of an inch could coat roads, trees and power lines.
The combination of snow and ice is likely to cause widespread power outages and tree damage, officials said. Travel conditions could become nearly impossible, especially during periods of heavy precipitation, and the storm may significantly impact the Monday morning commute.
The warning covers dozens of counties across east central, northeast, south-central and southeastern Kentucky, including communities such as Hazard, Pikeville, Somerset, London, Prestonsburg, Harlan and Morehead.
Emergency officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages. Those who must travel are advised to carry extra food, water and a flashlight in case they become stranded.
Motorists can check the latest road conditions through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s GoKY website. Forecasters emphasized that conditions may deteriorate rapidly as the storm intensifies late Saturday and continues into early Monday.
