Severe winter weather has created extremely slick road conditions across Caldwell and Lyon counties, prompting local officials to issue urgent warnings and travel advisories.
Caldwell County Judge-Executive Kota Young says in a social media post that the significant sleet overnight has “greatly impacted” travel conditions, and roads are “incredibly slick.” He said road crews are currently out, but the frigid temps will make improving travel conditions difficult. He says if you can stay home, please do so. If you have to be out, he says to use extreme caution and dress warmly.
Lyon County Sheriff Brent White says after consultation with road crews, first responder agencies, and the judge-executive’s office, they are requesting the public refrain from being on the roads unless it’s for emergency or essential travel.
He reports that they have had multiple 4-wheel-drive vehicles get stuck on Sunday morning, and they have many abandoned vehicles at intersections and elsewhere in the county, which are slowing snowplowing efforts by their crews. He says if you must travel, be prepared to be stranded for a long period of time if you get stuck.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Evansville and points north have reported over a foot of snow, with a band of very heavy sleet occurring overnight from about Poplar Bluff to Paducah to Madisonville, with icing occurring south of that line. Forecasters say travel is extremely dangerous and may be impossible in many locations, with light to moderate snow continuing in most of the area through midday.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Western Kentucky until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, with an Ice Storm Warning in effect until 6:00 p.m. Sunday for Calloway, Trigg, Christian, Muhlenberg, and Todd counties.
In addition, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for Western Kentucky until midnight Sunday, with an Extreme Cold Warning in effect from midnight Sunday through 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.
