Motorists advised to avoid unnecessary travel during winter event.
SOMERSET, Ky. (Feb. 18, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 is preparing for another round of winter weather set to impact the region tonight. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a winter storm warning is in effect for District 8, with snowfall projections ranging from 3 to 6 inches beginning tonight and continuing into Wednesday, February 19. Hazardous travel conditions are expected, particularly during the Wednesday morning commute.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm to ensure their safety and allow road crews to perform their duties efficiently.
Crews have spent the day making necessary preparations, including loading salt, sharpening chainsaws, and ensuring all equipment is ready.
Several routes remain closed due to high water, which may affect snow and ice response times. Crews will adjust their routes in these areas, with trucks potentially needing to detour or double back to reach areas beyond the closures. As a result, route coverage and response timing may be modified accordingly.
KYTC follows a priority-based system for snow and ice removal to maximize roadway safety and mobility:
Priority A: Major through routes and heavily traveled roads.
Priority B: Important but less-traveled state routes.
Priority C: All other routes.
Crews operate in 12-hour shifts to plow and treat roads, focusing first on high-priority routes before moving to secondary roads. Snow priority maps for each county can be accessed online at http://SnowKY.ky.gov.
Be prepared:
The following measures will help keep motorists safe and prepared:
Put yourself in emergency mode
Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level
Travel only as necessary during major snow events. It’s better to be stuck at home than to be stuck on the road
Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment
Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder
Allow time for a slower commute
Winterize vehicles
Supply vehicles with blankets, flash light and an emergency supply kit
Know before you go. Visit goky.ky.gov and download the free Waze app to check traffic conditions before you travel. You can also get traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.
Eliminate distractions (e.g. operating phone and eating) while driving
Cooperate with the expectations of the Quick Clearance law, which requires drivers to move vehicles to the shoulder in the event of a non-injury crash
KYTC District 8 is responsible for maintaining state highways in Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell and Wayne counties.
(Amber Hale – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 8)