Winter storm to bring more snow and frigid air to the area
Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Our next winter storm is set to impact central and eastern Kentucky late Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing widespread accumulating snowfall, dangerous travel conditions, and bitterly cold temperatures through the end of the week.
Tuesday Morning Light Snow and Advisory
Light snow is already causing some slick spots for the Tuesday morning commute, especially north and west of Lexington. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for areas along and north of I-64, including Lexington and Louisville, through the morning hours. While accumulations will generally remain under an inch, some heavier snow bands could briefly reduce visibility and lead to isolated travel issues.
Winter Storm Warning and Expected Snowfall
The main event arrives Tuesday evening as a potent winter storm spreads across the region. A Winter Storm Warning will take effect at 7 PM for areas from Lexington southward, including all counties to the Tennessee border. This warning will remain in place through Thursday morning. Areas north of I-64 will be under a Winter Weather Advisory for lower, but still impactful, snowfall totals.
Widespread snowfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches are expected across much of the region, with the heaviest band likely developing from west-central Kentucky through southern and southeastern Kentucky. Locally higher amounts near 6 to 8 inches cannot be ruled out, particularly in the mountains in southeastern Kentucky. Lighter amounts are expected north of I-64 and along the Tennessee border, where totals may remain in the 2 to 4 inch range.
Timing and Peak Impacts
Snow will begin to develop late Tuesday evening and intensify overnight, with the heaviest snow expected between midnight and mid-morning Wednesday. Snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour will be possible during this timeframe, leading to dangerous travel conditions overnight and into the Wednesday morning commute. Winds will also pick up slightly, around 15-20 mph, which could further reduce visibility in heavier snow bands.
Additional snow showers are likely Wednesday evening into early Thursday as the system pivots through the region. This could bring another 1 to 2 inches of snow, particularly in southeastern Kentucky.
Cold Temperatures and Bitter Wind Chills
Once the snow exits Wednesday night, Arctic air will surge into the region, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season so far. Lows Thursday and Friday mornings will drop into the single digits, with areas that receive the most snow potentially falling below zero. Wind chills will be potentially dangerously cold, with values near or below zero in many areas, especially Thursday morning.
Looking Ahead
The deep freeze will continue into Friday before temperatures moderate slightly into the weekend. A weak system could bring light precipitation on Saturday, but moisture looks limited at this time. Highs will gradually climb back toward the upper 30s and 40s by Sunday and early next week.
Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for continued updates as this winter storm develops. Be prepared for hazardous travel conditions and potentially dangerously cold temperatures for the rest of the week.
