Update on Monday, Jan 15 Snow Event
Thankfully, most schools will be out tomorrow in observance of MLK Day. But, the National Weather Service has predicted that we will see some nasty winter weather tomorrow. We are currently under a Winter Weather Advisory.
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.
A cold front will move across the region Monday morning. Snow is expected mainly along and behind the front. Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the morning commute on Monday. Total snow accumulations of one to two inches are expected. The snow will taper off late Monday into Monday night from northwest to southeast. Very cold conditions are expected behind the front.
JAN 14
Light snow will spread into portions of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois and southwest Indiana late tonight.
JAN 15-20
Light snow will spread across the entire region through the day Monday, tapering off from northwest to southeast late Monday into Monday night. Snowfall amounts will generally be from around 1 inch to near 2 inches.
Wind chill readings will drop into the zero to around 10 below zero degree range late Monday night, and remain below zero much of Tuesday morning.
Wind chill readings will be in the zero to 5 below zero range Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Wednesday night, especially east of the Mississippi River.
from Keith Todd, KY Transportation Dept
Kentucky Highway Crews across the region have made good progress on clearing "A" and "B" Snow Priority Routes- which include Interstates, Parkways, and US Highways. However, some of the "C" Snow Priority Routes- which are mostly rural secondary highways have been tough going today.
Some of the "C" Routes were salted early-on, but had thawed and re-frozen a couple of times leaving, in some cases, a sheet of ice about 4 inches thick. With some creative thinking, several crews used their spray trucks with a mixture of brine and calcium chloride to help cut through particular trouble spots.
As driving conditions improved through the day, more people got out on the road and that created some traffic problems as people tried to go sight-seeing or visiting, then ran off the road or got stuck. In some cases, snow plows had to wait for crashes to be cleared before they could continue their work. Time stuck in traffic means less time spreading salt and plowing snow.
KY 444 in Southeast Calloway County had to be closed to through traffic after several cars crashed and got stuck, blocking access to homes. Road Closed signs are up to limit traffic to local residents only along KY 444.
While some crews have completed their highways, others will continue working until well after dark tonight.
Snow & Ice Team members are turning their attention to Monday efforts. According to the National Weather Service, we can expect up to 2 inches of snow during the day Monday along the Ohio River border counties with accumulations trailing off to maybe a trace at the Kentucky-Tennessee State Line.
Crews are planning to report about 10 a.m., CST, in our District 1 counties. The District 2 counties will be called in as the snow starts to develop and a response is needed.
Motorists are reminded to maintain high awareness of the forecast and changing driving conditions as the snow arrives on Monday. Plunging temperatures this week will hamper road clearing efforts. Salt and other ice-fighting chemicals lose their potantency when temperatures fall below about 15 degrees. Overnight lows through about Thursday are expected to be down in the single digits.
Lows around zero mean that whenever you venture out you need to be fully prepared for the extreme cold. Something as simple as a dead battery, running out of gas, or having a mechanical problem with your vehicle that might normally be an inconvenience can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
Let's all be careful out there.
-from INDOT
The Indiana Department of Transportation is scheduling a full call-out of plow trucks throughout the state in anticipation of icy conditions during Friday morning's commute. Weather forecasts are calling for rain, followed by freezing rain and snow.
INDOT has 1,092 snow plows across the state and drivers will be in place along 929 designated snow routes in advance of the approaching winter storm. INDOT subdistrict garages will be fully staffed with mechanics until operations have concluded. Drivers and mechanics will work 12-hour shifts as long as needed.
State highways and interstates will be treated continuously with granular salt along snow routes during tomorrow morning’s “rush hour” to minimize iced-over pavements.
INDOT officials advise motorists to leave early, drive slowly and be on constant alert for icy patches and black ice on roadways. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas – all are hot spots for black ice.
Tomorrow afternoon’s commute will be impacted by significant snowfall and drivers are urged to give plow truck drivers plenty of room to maneuver. Remember to stay out of drivers' “blind spots” and allow ample time to make the trip and arrive safely.
Know before you go
INDOT reminds Hoosiers to drive defensively and plan extra travel time during winter weather. Hoosier Helpers sponsored by State Farm will patrol urban interstates in Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana and Southern Indiana near Louisville during heavy travel periods.
Learn about traffic and road conditions, crashes and construction on state highways by visiting http://indot.carsprogram.org, calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or dialing 511 from a mobile phone.
Subscribe to receive INDOT news and information by text message or email at http://bit.ly/INDOTsubscription. Find links to INDOT’s regional Facebook and Twitter pages at http://bit.ly/INDOTsocial.
INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
Stay Informed
Motorists can learn about highway work zones and other traffic alerts at indot.carsprogram.org, 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone.
Subscribe to receive text and email alerts about INDOT projects at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/INDOT/subscriber/new. Find links to INDOT’s Facebook and Twitter pages at www.in.gov/indot/3074.htm.