Many area school systems are closed Wednesday due to the extreme cold, the light snow that fell overnight or due to absenteeism from illness.
A Winter Weather Advisory was in effect overnight as a coating of snow fell on the area. A dispatcher at Christian Count ECC had no reports of accidents overnight, but said a deputy reported slick conditions on area roads. A Todd County dispatcher noted that Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews were out early this morning attempting to improve road conditions.
The Cabinet notes in an email that their efforts across the region are greatly hindered when the temperature falls below 16 degrees, as the effects of the chemicals they use are greatly reduced.
Schools in Christian, Todd, Hopkins, Caldwell, Muhlenberg and Montgomery counties are closed Wednesday, in addition to University Heights Academy, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School and the Dawson Springs Independent School System. Todd County will be observing its second non-traditional instruction day. Fort Campbell schools are on a two-hour delay.
All campuses of Hopkinsville Community College, Madisonville Community College, Murray State University and Western Kentucky University are closed. Austin Peay State University is opening two hours late at 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, Heritage Christian Academy announced its closure on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday due to illness. Students there are required to complete Snow Day Packet #2.