Dangerous cold expected overnight with icy roads possible

DEM Blogger

January 20, 2019

Updated 4:30pm, January 20, 2019

Temperatures overnight are expected to reach their coldest values of the season as arctic air settles in from the north. Parts of southern Indiana and northern Kentucky could see air temperatures as low as zero degrees, while lows across central and southern

Kentucky will range from single digits to teens. Light winds that persist through the night could drop wind chills below zero degrees for a period of time. Be sure to dress appropriately if you plan to be out for any extended period of time tonight or tomorrow morning.

Additionally, any snow or ice that melted today will refreeze overnight and potentially result in slick driving conditions. This is especially true on untreated secondary roads. Black ice is very difficult to detect, and drivers should use caution if traveling overnight or tomorrow morning.

Crews from the Divisions of Streets & Roads and Water Quality continued to treat roads today. Ranked roads have all been treated. However, slick spots remain, especially on roads with lower traffic volumes. Crews will remain on duty overnight.

Rank 1 sidewalks have been cleared. The Division of Environmental Services is currently working on Rank 2 sidewalks along Man O’ War.

Despite no forecasted precipitation, temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing through Monday. This indicates the possibility of ice and residents should remain cautious when driving along roadways and walking on sidewalks.

LexCall offices are closed today and Monday, but slick spots and other concerns can be reported anytime using the free LexCall app for Android or iPhone or by visiting www.LexingtonKY.gov/LexCall. Officials remind citizens to call 911 for all traffic and other emergencies.

Since 7 a.m. Sunday, Lexington Police have responded to 1 injury collision, 23 non-injury collisions, 11 motorist assists and 16 traffic hazards.

The Office of Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Emergency Weather Plan remains in effect through Tuesday, January 22. LexTran is providing free rides to shelters. To report someone in need, call the HopeMobile at 859-252-7881 or the Compassionate Caravan at 859-255-0301.

Anyone needing assistance can dial 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898211 or log onto www.uwbg211.org for locations of shelters and other resources in Lexington and surrounding counties.

The snow and ice control plan, along with the latest updates on the weather response, can be found at www.LexingtonKY.gov/SnowUpdates.