LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – Roads crews in central Kentucky have a tough task on their hands dealing with rapidly changing winter weather on Saturday night.
Lexington and surrounding areas could see a range of rain, sleet and snow within a matter of hours.
This is the most difficult kind of storm for roads crews to prepare for because the rain means pre-treatment for snow later would be useless.
Lexington city crews normally put down salt brine before any kind of snow event but brine would just wash away.
That means when temperatures plummet, some of the wet roads are likely to freeze over.
Lexington’s director of streets and roads says crews will try to be as proactive as possible.
Many will use rock salt, especially on hills, but even that becomes less effective as it gets colder and colder.
KYTC District 7 reports that their road crews are reporting at 8:00p.m. in all 12 of their counties in central Kentucky. That includes Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford Counties.
KYTC officials say the rapidly dropping temperatures could create a “flash freeze” and drifting snow could limit visibility.
The Kentucky SAFE Patrol will be ready to help any stranded drivers. You can call them at 1-877-FOR-KYTC.
The best advice though is to stay off the roads and let crews get a head start on clearing up the roads.
