Our next winter storm is on the way

Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – It’s a cold and quiet start to the week across central and eastern Kentucky, with lingering snow showers tapering off this morning. While we get a brief break today, all eyes are on our next winter storm set to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the region, with several inches of snow expected and hazardous travel conditions likely.

Cold & Quiet Before the Storm

After a frigid start in the 20s, partly cloudy skies will take over this afternoon with highs struggling to climb above freezing. Expect upper 20s north of I-64 and mid-30s across the Cumberland Valley. Some slick spots remain possible this morning, especially on untreated roads.

River flooding continues to be a concern, with the Kentucky River at Booneville and Irvine still in major flood stage. Areas downstream, from Camp Nelson to Frankfort, remain at moderate flood stage. These waters will stay high for the next couple of days, even as dry conditions persist through today.

Tuesday starts cold, with morning lows in the teens and low 20s. A weak system could bring some light snow or flurries Tuesday morning, mainly north of the Mountain Parkway, but accumulations will be minor—less than a half-inch. The main event, however, arrives later Tuesday night.

Tuesday Night – Wednesday: Significant Snowfall & Hazardous Travel

A strong winter storm will impact central and eastern Kentucky starting late Tuesday night and continuing through much of Wednesday. Snow will overspread the region overnight, with the heaviest snowfall expected from the predawn hours into Wednesday morning.

• Snowfall Accumulations: Most areas will see 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in the Bluegrass region. Areas in far northern and far southern Kentucky may see slightly lower totals.
• Snow Ratios: Due to cold air in place, this will be a very efficient snowfall, with ratios ranging from 12:1 to 20:1 in the northern half of the region. This means lighter moisture amounts will still produce significant snow.
• Peak Impacts: The worst travel conditions are expected overnight Tuesday through early Wednesday afternoon, as snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are possible at times.

Temperatures will struggle to reach the mid-20s on Wednesday, meaning road treatments may be less effective.

Arctic Blast Follows the Snow

Once the snow exits Wednesday evening, bitterly cold air moves in. Lows will plummet into the single digits by Thursday morning, with wind chills near or below zero. Highs on Thursday will struggle to reach the low 20s, and another frigid night follows with lows again near 10 degrees.

Some moderation is expected by the weekend, with highs creeping back toward the 40s by Sunday. The good news? We stay dry, giving area waterways a chance to recede after recent flooding.

Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates.