Morning round of snow exits with more on the way tonight
Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – After an overnight winter storm blanketed the region with fresh snow, the heaviest accumulations are shifting east as we head into midday Wednesday. This break in the action will allow road conditions to improve somewhat, but with temperatures remaining well below freezing, untreated roads will stay slick and hazardous.
If you plan on heading outside, bundle up! Temperatures dropped into the teens overnight, making for a very dry and powdery snow—quite a contrast from the wetter, slushy snow we saw this past Sunday. But don’t let the lull fool you—another round of snow is set to move in late this evening, bringing additional accumulations and dangerously cold wind chills.
Round Two: More Snow and Bitter Cold Tonight
A second disturbance rotating around the departing storm system will bring a renewed burst of snow later this evening and into early Thursday morning. Most areas can expect an additional 1 to 2 inches of fresh snowfall, with slightly higher amounts possible in the higher elevations of southeastern Kentucky.
The snow isn’t the only concern—wind chills will plummet late tonight and into Thursday morning, with readings as low as 5 below zero possible. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for much of the region as the combination of frigid air and gusty winds will create hazardous conditions, especially for those still dealing with the aftermath of recent flooding.
Lingering Snow Showers Thursday, Frigid Air Sticks Around
By sunrise Thursday, the heaviest snowfall will have moved out, but off-and-on snow showers will linger into the midday hours. These snow showers will be most persistent across southeastern and eastern Kentucky, where moisture wrapping around the system will allow for some enhancement.
Temperatures will remain bitterly cold all day Thursday, struggling to get much above the low 20s. As skies begin to clear Thursday night, lows will drop into the single digits for many areas by Friday morning—likely the coldest morning of the stretch.
One lingering concern: Floodwaters remain high on area rivers, including the Cumberland and Kentucky Rivers, where moderate flood stage is still being observed. Even though we’re dealing with snow and bitter cold, flooded roads remain dangerous. Never drive through high water, especially with icy conditions adding an extra layer of risk.
Gradual Warmup by the Weekend
The good news? A pattern shift will bring slowly moderating temperatures by the weekend. Highs on Saturday should finally climb above freezing, and by Sunday, temperatures will be back into the 40s, much closer to seasonal averages.
