Temperatures near the freezing mark have helped the southern Pennyrile region avoid the worst of the winter weather so far, but more issues are still expected to arise as temperatures fall this afternoon and evening.
An Ice Storm Warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Friday for all of western Kentucky and Montgomery and Stewart counties in Tennessee, with up to a half-inch of ice accumulation and less than an inch of sleet and snow expected.
Roads have remained mostly wet in Christian, Todd and Trigg counties, but travel has been more difficult to the north and west.
Governor Andy Beshear is still urging folks to stay off the roads, as roads that aren’t slick will eventually become treacherous quickly.
Pennyrile Electric reported roughly 4,200 members without power near the Trigg-Lyon County line Thursday afternoon and scattered in Christian County. Kentucky Utilities had two large weather-related power outages in southern Hopkins and far-northern Christian County. There were reports of trees and power lines down reported through the region.
While western Kentucky is no longer expecting three quarters of an inch of ice in any location at this point, the governor says it’s still a severe winter weather event.
Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett urged Kentuckians to not let their guard down.
The governor also announced that state office buildings will be closed again Friday. Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area has closed the Trace due to downed trees. The Trace is the north-south travel route connecting to KY 453/Dover Road northern entrance to LBL near the Canal Bridge just south of Grand Rivers. It also connects to U.S. 68 near the Golden Pond Visitors Center.
Due to the number of downed trees and power being out at the headquarters near Golden Pond, the Trace could remain closed for several days until plans can be worked out to clear the roadway.
You can find a complete list of our closings and cancellations on our website.