Wind Chill Warning, Winter Weather Advisory in place as snow, bitter cold move in Thursday

Along with the Wind Chill Warning that remains in effect until Friday evening, all of western Kentucky including Christian, Todd and Trigg counties, is under a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 2 p.m. Thursday.

In a weather call Wednesday afternoon, National Weather Service in Paducah Meteorologist Chris Noles says the forecast of one to three inches of snow across the entire area remains the same, but the real story will be the dangerously cold temperatures that come in with the arctic air. He says it will move so quickly that rain that will have previously fallen on roadways will likely ‘flash freeze’, making travel hazardous.

With wind gusts possible of up to 30 or 40 miles per hour, Noles says once the snow starts falling it could become blowing snow, which will greatly reduce visibility while driving. That wind will make the low temperatures even worse, creating wind chills of -15 to -25, which can quickly become dangerous.

Noles says with the gusty winds, isolated power outages are certainly possible, and he pressed the importance of having an emergency kit, including water and food, warm clothes and blankets, along with a phone charger.

People should avoid outside and activities as much as possible, and if you do go outside, make sure exposed skin is covered and you are wearing multiple layers. Stayed tuned to the WHOP Family of Stations for updates on this developing winter weather system.