The winter storm that’s been in the forecast the last several days is underway in the Pennyrile region and conditions are expected to deteriorate through the morning.
Christian, Todd, Trigg, Caldwell, Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Montgomery County schools are closed today, in addition to University Heights Academy, Heritage Christian Academy and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School. Hopkinsville Community College, all campuses of Murray State, Austin Peay State University and Madisonville Community College are all closed.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 9 p.m., with the National Weather Service in Paducah expecting Hopkinsville, Elkton and Cadiz to receive a small amount of ice and up to two to three inches of snow and sleet.
Two vehicles slid off the Pennyrile Parkway in north Christian County this morning and Sheriff’s Captain Chris Miller says road conditions will get worse as temperatures fall and more precipitation moves in and residents should avoid traveling if they can.
Miller says the cold wind will turn any residual water to ice quickly.
Hopkinsville Police Chief Clayton Sumner said ice was a factor in a minor two-vehicle accident at Kenwood Drive and Pardue lane that involved a city plow truck. There were no injuries in any of the accidents.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Spokesman Keith Todd says most major roadways are passable, but many drivers are going way too fast.
Contracted crews are out assisting the Cabinet across western Kentucky treating major highways
State crews got out with 12 trucks about 3 a.m. in Christian County—about the same time the temperature fell below freezing.
Todd says as temperaures continue to fall, salting roads will become less effective.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation did not report any problems on I-24 between the state line and Nashville as of about 5:30 a.m.
City of Hopkinsville and Christian County Road Department crews are also working throughout the day to keep roads and streets as clear as possible.
The Trigg County Sheriff’s Department reported most roads to be slick with ice, while Todd County Sheriff Tracy White said roads were in good condition there.
You can find a complete list of closures, cancellations and delays under the weather section of our website.
KY 139 and I24 in Trigg County/photo from TCSO