Another winter storm takes aim on the commonwealth
More accumulating and impactful snow is expected into the mid-week
President’s Day brought a break from the wet weather across Central and Eastern Kentucky, allowing rivers and streams to slowly recede after the significant flooding in many locations. While the sunshine was welcome, temperatures remained quite cold with many locations struggling to get into the upper-20s and low-30s for afternoon highs.
As we head into Tuesday, we’ll see an increase in cloud cover ahead of our next weather system. A weak disturbance passing through during the morning hours could bring scattered flurries or a few light snow showers, especially in southern and eastern parts of the state. However, little to no accumulation is expected. Highs will remain quite cold only reaching the upper 20s to around 30 degrees.
The bigger story is the winter storm set to impact the region from Tuesday night into Wednesday. A strong low-pressure system tracking through the Ohio Valley will bring widespread snowfall to Kentucky. Cold air will already be in place meaning this will be an all-snow event. Confidence is increasing that several inches of snow will accumulate with the heaviest band setting up somewhere between the I-64 corridor and the parkways. Travel disruptions are likely especially Wednesday morning when snowfall rates could be highest. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. Our first call for snowfall would lay down a 4″-6″ swath of snow through the heart of the commonwealth with less amounts on the northern edge. Of course this could possibly change but it does appear you’ll need the snow shovel into Wednesday.
Once the snow exits, a blast of very cold air will settle in for the second half of the week. Morning lows will drop into the upper single digits and low teens Thursday and Friday with wind chills below zero in some areas so plan on bundling up! Afternoon highs will struggle to get back into the mid to upper 20s.
The good news? We finally get a much-needed dry stretch to close out the workweek and head into the weekend. Expect a mix of clouds and sunshine at this point as temperatures will slowly start to moderate. Afternoon highs should be into the mid-30s on Saturday and pressing the 40 degree mark by Sunday.
ABC 36 Storm Team 3-Day Forecast
Monday night: Mostly cloudy with a few flurries. Lows in the upper teens.
Tuesday: More clouds, still cold. Highs in the upper 20s.
Tuesday night: Breezy with light snow, accumulations expected. Lows in the mid-teens.
Stay tuned for updates as this winter storm approaches and make sure to have a plan in place for Wednesday’s wintry weather! Stay safe, stay warm, and stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team!
