Wintry mess on the way Tuesday
Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A quiet and chilly Monday will set the stage for a wintry mess arriving late tonight into Tuesday. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the I-64 corridor extending into the Bluegrass and Mountain Parkway regions, while a Flood Watch is in effect for southern Kentucky. Additionally, a Winter Weather Advisory covers far northern Kentucky. This system will bring heavy snow, a rain/snow mix, and even some freezing rain, making for a complex and challenging forecast.
Snowfall & Wintry Mix
The heaviest snowfall is expected along the I-64 corridor, where snowfall rates could become intense, leading to 3-5+ inches of snow accumulation. Locations farther south will see lesser snowfall amounts due to more rain mixing in. Precipitation will begin after midnight, spreading in from the southwest. Some areas, even across south-central Kentucky, may see freezing rain before changing over to rain. Meanwhile, areas to the north will remain cold enough for snow.
Heavy snowfall rates will pick up during Tuesday morning, but the exact placement of the heaviest snow band remains uncertain. Ground temperatures are warm, and air temperatures will hover near or slightly above freezing, meaning accumulation will depend heavily on where the most intense bands of snow develop. If snowfall rates exceed expectations, some areas could overachieve on forecast totals.
Impacts & Travel Conditions
With warm ground temperatures, roads may initially be just wet, but if snowfall rates become heavy enough, travel conditions will deteriorate quickly. Expect reduced visibility and hazardous roads, especially along and north of I-64. Areas south of this region will deal with a mix of precipitation, leading to slushy or slick conditions.
Midweek & Weekend Flood Concerns
The wintry system will exit Tuesday night, but an active pattern continues. Another system moves in Wednesday into Wednesday night, bringing 1-2 inches of rain to southern and southeastern Kentucky. This will add to an already saturated ground, increasing the risk of localized flooding and rising rivers.
A brief break is expected Thursday into early Friday, but yet another stronger system arrives for the weekend. Heavy rain and even a few thunderstorms will be possible, with widespread river flooding becoming a growing concern. Current projections suggest another 2-3 inches of rain over the weekend, with locally higher amounts. Low-lying and flood-prone areas should stay alert for potential flooding issues.
Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates.
