There could be snow on the ground this Christmas, but that comes with dangerously cold temperatures as arctic air enters the region Thursday evening.
Things will start as rain Thursday but as temperatures plummet, it could result in a ‘flash freeze’, which could result in slippery conditions on roadways, especially bridges and overpasses, before the precipitation becomes snow. Christine Wielgos with the National Weather Service in Paducah says wind will make the arctic cold even worse, maybe resulting in -5 to -20 degree wind chills—which can quickly become dangerous.
As for how much snow the area will see from the event remains up in the air, but between one to two inches is certainly possible, though Wielgos says those projections could change as the event draws closer.
Thanks to sustained wind of 25 to 30 miles per hour, along with gusts of up to 45 miles per hour possible, it could create blowing snow, which would create traveling hazards for those driving Thursday evening or Friday morning.
If cold is not something you enjoy, there is hope—temperatures should return to a normal December chill after Christmas.
People are urged to take the time to prepare now by making sure vehicles have emergency kits in them that include extra layers of warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight and more. Pipes that could freeze over should be tended to, and people might consider dripping faucets on the coldest nights to discourage freezing. Outdoor animals should be brought inside when possible, or provided well insulated shelter from the wind.