​KYTC D9 Update 6 AM: Plow crews continue to work snowy roads in subzero temps

Salt ineffective, roads with snow cover slick

FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (6:30 AM, Feb. 19, 2015) – At this hour, after pushing back drifted snow overnight, all Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 plow crews remain on northeast roads in subzero temperatures.

As of 6:30 a.m., Feb. 19, conditions reported in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan were reported as: Main Priority A roads mostly clear but all counties have areas partly covered with snow from last night's squalls, especially in Ohio River counties where snow was more intense; secondary Priority B and C routes remain mostly covered with snow.

Air temperatures range from 5 below zero to 9 below zero, with pavement temps minus 4 to minus 7. All of the snow showers have moved out of the District 9 region and crews have made good progress removing drifted snow from roadways. The trouble spots have been treated with salt, and are awaiting some solar power.

Motorists are reminded that subzero temperatures render salt and other snow-fighting chemicals ineffective, and that any snow cover or wet pavement on roadways should be considered slick and icy. Crews will continue plowing today, but with record snowfall across Kentucky and historic low temperatures, clearing all roads could take several days.

Travel is not advised, but motorists who must be out should be aware that slick conditions are likely even on plowed and treated highways. Those motorists should slow down, buckle up and maintain a “space cushion” – a safe distance of at least 500 feet between vehicles. Motorists also are cautioned to give a wide berth to snow plows and other heavy highway equipment.

Motorists also are advised to pack an emergency kit – blankets, water, food and flashlight. It also is advisable to have a shovel and a source of grit – sand, cat litter or something similar – in the event of a vehicle getting stuck.

Crews and contractors in District 9 have more than 75 snow plows and nearly 18,000 tons of salt stockpiled, and work around the clock to fight snow and ice. You can learn more about snow removal efforts, and get a list of snow removal priority routes, by visiting District 9 online at http://bit.ly/D9Snow. Or, keep up to date on Twitter and Facebook at http://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict9 or http://facebook.com/KYTCDistrict9.

Kentucky traffic and travel information is available by dialing 511 or online at www.511.ky.gov. Find out where snow plows are operating at http://bit.ly/KYPlows.

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