FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 18, 2025) – Hazardous travel conditions continue to impact Kentucky as hundreds of roadways remain flooded while a winter snowstorm is forecast to arrive tonight.
Gov. Andy Beshear urged motorists to exercise safe driving practices if they must be out while Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) snowfighting crews work to keep main roads clear and maintain critical routes for emergency responders.
The Governor also called on Kentuckians to take action to stay warm as below-zero windchills are expected across much of the state this week.
“If you can’t turn your heat on by this afternoon, you need to call a family member or friend and go stay with them. If that option isn’t available, please go to an emergency shelter,” said Gov. Beshear. “The temperatures are dropping dangerously low, and we need to do everything possible to keep our neighbors safe.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) expects several inches of snow across most of the commonwealth through Wednesday with higher amounts in Western Kentucky. Lows in the teens, then single-digit temperatures will also lessen the effectiveness of salt and other anti-icing materials.
“Kentuckians’ safety is our top priority,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “While snowplow crews will respond in force, we’re concerned these low temperatures will render treatments far less effective, and some roads could remain snow-covered for several days.”
Motorists should avoid travel, if possible, to give crews room to work. If you can’t limit travel, remember: Flooded roads will impact snowplow routes. Flooded roads could also freeze and become snow-covered, creating an unexpected hazard. Do not pass barricades or road closed signs, never drive through high water, pack an emergency car kit, and take it slow.
More than 250 state highways remain blocked by high water, rockslides or mudslides. State highway crews have placed high water signs and barricades to warn drivers and will continue to monitor conditions.
Kentuckians should monitor forecasts and keep up with travel conditions via Waze or online at GoKy.Ky.gov.
Find out how to get news alerts and follow your local highway district online, and on social media, at transportation.ky.gov/DistrictPages.
Emergency Car Kit Suggested Items For Drivers
- First aid kit
- Extra coat, gloves, and blankets or sleeping bag
- Non-perishable food and water
- Baby formula, diapers, wipes
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers
- Pet food, water, leash, bowl
- Medications
- Ice scraper and jumper cables
- Shovel, and a bag of sand or litter
What to Do if Traffic Signals are Not Working:
- Flashing yellow, proceed with caution
- Flashing red, treat as a stop sign
- No signal lights, treat as a 4-way stop
What to Do When a Downed Power Line is on the Roadway:
- Never touch or drive over a fallen power line; report the issue to the power company
- If a power line has fallen on your vehicle, STAY INSIDE, do not exit, and call 911
- Assume all downed power lines are live and DO NOT attempt to move them
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