Kentucky Transportation Cabinet • District 1

Motorists Urged to Use Caution as Snow Moves into Western Kentucky This Afternoon

Snowplows expected to be on state roadways all night

PADUCAH, Ky. (Feb. 18, 2025) – With significant snowfall expected tonight, motorists are advised to use caution if they must travel and remain alert for snowplows that will be active throughout the winter weather event.

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of western Kentucky, including the 12 counties in District 1. Snowfall amounts range from 4 to 8 inches. Snow is expected to begin between 4 and 5 p.m. tonight and continue through the Wednesday morning commute. The snow will be followed by bitterly cold temperatures. 

KYTC crews will be working throughout the night to clear snow from the roads, and the District 1 Snow & Ice Team will be monitoring weather conditions hour by hour and adjusting response strategies as necessary.

Motorists should remember that snowplows travel slower than typical traffic and, due to their size, have limited visibility and several blind spots. Please give plows plenty of space to safely perform their work.

In addition, many roadways in the district are still flooded, meaning some plowing routes may need to be adjusted. Motorists should remain cautious, as flooded roads could freeze and become covered in snow, creating additional hazards.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

• Travel only as necessary during snow and ice events. It’s better to be stranded at home than on the road.
• Winterize vehicles. Have your car battery, tire pressure and brakes checked. Make sure your heater, defroster, headlights, and windshield wipers are working properly.
• Stock vehicles with ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, flashlight, cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and first aid kit.
• Before you head out, monitor local weather forecasts and allow more time to reach your destination.
• When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in adverse weather conditions, so break early and slowly.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice — a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
• Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment, and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.

• Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates. Travel info is available at goky.ky.gov.

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To get traffic advisories and alerts for KYTC District 1 counties via email, please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYTC/signup/13651. Click on the District 1 counties you regularly drive through, or on any of the specialty corridors you travel.  Check your SPAM filtering to ensure Gov Delivery is on your approved list.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KYTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. Please LIKE or FOLLOW District 1.  You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

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