Wintry mess expected throughout the day on Tuesday
Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A winter storm is set to make a messy impact on the ABC 36 Viewing Area today, bringing a mix of heavy snow, rain, and slushy road conditions. Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories, and Flood Watches are all in effect as this system pushes through, leading to potential dangerous travel conditions and possible flooding concerns across southern Kentucky.
Snowfall and Road Impacts
Heavy snow is expected across the northern half of the region, where a Winter Storm Warning is in effect. Snowfall accumulations of 4-5 inches, with locally higher amounts up to 6 inches, are possible, especially in the Bluegrass region. Travel will be treacherous this morning as snowfall rates increase, reducing visibility and leading to quickly deteriorating road conditions. The heaviest snow will fall through the morning and into early afternoon before transitioning to rain later in the day as temperatures rise to the mid-30s.
Counties positioned between the snow and rain zones are under a Winter Weather Advisory, as a wintry mix of snow and rain will create slushy and slick conditions. Areas south of the Parkways will see mostly rain, with the Flood Watch in effect due to 1.25-2.0 inches of rainfall, raising concerns for localized flooding.
As temperatures drop overnight, any remaining moisture could lead to patchy freezing drizzle, particularly in areas that fall to or below freezing. Be cautious of black ice and slick spots on untreated roads.
More Rain on the Way
Another system will move in late Wednesday into Wednesday night, bringing additional 1-2″of rain across the region. While this round of rain won’t be as heavy as previous systems, it will further saturate already wet soils, keeping streams and rivers elevated.
A brief break from precipitation arrives Thursday into early Friday before a stronger system moves in for the weekend. This next storm could bring widespread 2-4″ of rain, significantly increasing the threat of both flash flooding and river flooding. Low-lying and flood-prone areas should stay alert as the weekend approaches.
Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates.
