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Kentucky Winter Weather Updates

Kevin Willis, WKU Public Radio

Campbellsville University Cancels Classes Remainder of the Week

There are no classes tonight, Thursday, Feb 19, at all Campbellsville University locations.

There are also no classes tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 20, at all locations, according to Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs.

Staff are to travel to work at their own discretion.

WKU Closed Thursday and Friday

All WKU campuses are closed the remainder of the week.

Kentucky House Won't Meet Remainder of the Week

The Kentucky House of Representatives is taking the rest of the week off due to the winter weather. A statement issued by House Speaker Greg Stumbo Wednesday afternoon said the chamber would reconvene at 4 pm on Monday.

The House was initially set to meet today, but lawmakers decided the combination of snowfall and record-low temperatures made travel to the state capitol too dangerous.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, the Senate was still planning to meet Thursday at 2 pm.

Lindsey Wilson College Holding Classes Thursday on Delayed Schedule

Lindsey Wilson College classes Thursday will operate on a delayed schedule.

Mammoth Cave Closed Thursday Morning

Mammoth Cave National Park will remain closed Thursday .

Park crews will evaluate road conditions for refreezing, following the subzero temperatures forecasted for Wednesday night.

Wind Chill Warning In Effect Until Thursday Afternoon

Expect record-breaking lows overnight Wednesday, with temperatures dropping to ten degrees below zero, and wind chill readings between 25 below and 30 below zero.

Thursday will bring sunny skies, but highs only in the low teens. Lows Thursday evening will be around four degrees below zero.

No Thursday Day Classes at Campbellsville U

There will be no day classes tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 19, at all Campbellsville University locations, according to an announcement from Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs.

Day classes are those that are before 5 p.m.  A decision on night classes will be made later.

Staff are to travel to work at their own discretion.

Hardin County Schools Closed Remainder of Week

Classes have been canceled for Hardin County Schools for both Thursday and Friday.

No Night Classes at Campbellsville University

There will be no night classes tonight Wednesday, Feb. 18 at all Campbellsville University locations, according to an announcement from Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs.

Travel Conditions Wednesday 7:00 a.m.

Moderate snow is coming to an end across the district.  All road crews are salting and plowing.  A topping of 1"-2" of new snowfall has pulled our attention back to many A routes that were in good shape on Tuesday afternoon.

I65 is moving slowly along with all other parkways, US Routes and State Routes.  Like Monday and Tuesday, several low speed crashes and run-offs are reported across the district.

As always, motorists should reduce speeds, allow additional distances between them and other vehicles.

Travel conditions this morning require focus and patience.

With additional light snow showers and the possibility of blowing snow through the day, it will be difficult to keep roads clear.

KYTC Maintenance and contract crews working in shifts have been plowing and/or treating constantly for more than 56 hours and will continue until state maintained routes are clear.

Traffic information is available at 511.ky.gov

Lindsey Wilson Classes Canceled Wednesday

All Lindsey Wilson College day and evening classes Wednesday are canceled.

WKU Closed Wednesday

All WKU campuses will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Expected Record Cold This Week Poses Threat to Livestock

The forecasted weather for the remainder of the week across most of Kentucky is not likely to be fit for man or beast. University of Kentucky Agricultural Meteorologist Matt Dixon says the formula for a deep snow came with dryer conditions.

"We had snow ratios closer to 15 to one, 15 inches of snow to one inch of liquid equivalent," said Dixon. "Usually around here it's closer to 10 inches of snow to one inch of liquid equivalent."

It looks to be a record setting week for cold temperatures across the bluegrass. Temperatures are expected to dip well below zero overnight this week. Dixon says the National Weather Service is predicting that a decades-long record could be broken.

"The record low for Thursday, February 19 for Lexington is -5 and that was set in 1936," Dixon explained. "Currently, their forecast low is at -9, potentially breaking a record, most likely breaking a record that has stood since the 1930's."

Dixon says the biggest threat to Kentucky's livestock is tied to the bitter cold temperatures. In addition to moving horses and cattle nearer to the barn, Dixon says sufficient water, dry bedding, and feed should be available.--Stu Johnson, WEKU

No Day Classes Wednesday at Campbellsville University

There will be no day classes at Campbellsville University, at all all locations, tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 18, according to Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs.

An announcement on night classes will be announced later.

Staff should travel to work at their own discretion.

More Snow, Below Zero Temperatures Heading Our Way

Parts of our listening area are about to see as much as 2-3 more inches of snow.

The National Weather Service in Louisville has issued a winter storm advisory in effect at 9 p.m. central tonight for light to moderate snow throughout our region.

Southern and south-central Kentucky can expect up to two new inches of snow overnight.

The Somerset region could see as much as three inches by tomorrow, with the Elizabethtown-Hardin County area predicted to get up to two inches.

The Owensboro region is forecast to receive up to an inch of new snow by tomorrow.

The new snow could lead to more travel issues, as heavy wind gusts tomorrow afternoon could lead to blowing snow that impacts the visibility of motorists.

Temperatures will drop throughout the day tomorrow, with wind chill readings dipping below zero by the afternoon.

Winter Weather Impact on Homeless Population in Bowling Green Area

For most people, the winter storm impacting our region is an inconvenience.

It’s a different story for the homeless, who are faced with finding shelter amid freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Capt. Mark Love, with the Bowling Green Salvation Army, says the weather hasn’t prevented his shelter from offering its normal schedule of social services.

“Whether it’s providing food boxes, or our soup kitchen which remains open, and we also allow all of clients to stay in during the day when it’s below 32 degrees," Love told WKU Public Radio.

Love says the Bowling Green Salvation Army has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of homeless  seeking shelter since Sunday. The facility is serving up to 200 meals a day this week.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Winter Weather

With subzero temperatures in Kentucky's forecast this week, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is warning residents about carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of heating or cooking devices.

The cabinet says the National Center for Environmental Health advises using a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in the home. The agency also says not to use grills or generators indoors and don’t run a vehicle inside a garage attached to the home, even with the garage door open.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Officials say to seek immediate medical attention if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.

Bowling Green City Schools Out Wednesday

Bowling Green City Schools will be closed Wednesday, February 18, 2015, due to winter weather.

Campbellsville Univ. Evening Classes Canceled

Evening classes are canceled for Tuesday, Feb. 17 at all Campbellsville University locations, according to an announcement from Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs.

Travel Conditions Update Tuesday 5:00 a.m.

Plowing, plowing, and more plowing is what state roads crews have been doing all night to get roads across the state passable.  
 
Towing services are extremely busy. All involved agencies are being challenged with difficult conditions and a high volume of requests for assistance.  

Hart County Rest Areas on I-65 are providing some refuge for motorists, but parking facilities and ramps are showing the same challenges as other interstate ramps/exchanges. Aside from I-65: Western Kentucky Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, US Routes and KY Routes are all generally still covered with plows continuing to push snow overnight. Run-offs and low speed crashes have been reported in various areas since snow began more than 24 hours ago. At this time there are no full closures reported in District 4. 

Ft. Knox Shut Down

Due to the inclement weather, the Fort Knox Army Post AND Fort Knox Community Schools will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Mammoth Cave Closed Again

Mammoth Cave National Park will be closed Tuesday. 

LWC Closed Tuesday

Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia will be closed again Tuesday.

Beshear Declares State of Emergency

From a news release issued by the Governor's office late Monday afternoon:

In response to heavy snows and bitter cold across the Commonwealth in the past 12 hours, Gov. Steve Beshear declared a statewide emergency to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts. 

“This storm system is still dumping snow across much of the state and temperatures are forecast to drop further.  Some areas may see accumulation of up to 16 inches, making it one of the worst storms in recent memory,” said Gov. Beshear.  “By declaring a state of emergency now for the entire state, we can deploy any needed state assistance, including National Guard troops if necessary, without delay.”

Traffic Remains Slow Across Region, with an I-65 Trouble Spot Near Elizabethtown

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports heavy snow rates continue with near 12-inch totals being reported across central and southern parts of the state.

I-65 southbound approaching Elizabethtown has been a trouble area for motorists between Mile Points 102 and 97. 

Minor crashes and run-offs have occurred.  Responders are working to remove vehicles and continually push snow off through this section of Hardin County. 

Outside of this area, I-65 has been moving with a very slow but steady flow through most of the region today.

WKU Closed Again Tuesday

All WKU campuses will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 17, due to the winter weather.

The WKU Preston Center is closing at 5 pm today, and will be closed all day Tuesday. They are planning to reopen Wednesday, weather permitting.

All Parts of Fairview Ave. in Bowling Green Now Open

A portion of Fairview Avenue in Bowling Green that had been closed since an early morning accident is now open.

Bowling Green Municipal Utilities crews were on the scene fixing damage to an electrical pole damaged by a vehicle. BGMU reports the pole has been fixed, and all lanes now open.

NWS: Up to 15-16 Inches of Snow Possible in Parts of Kentucky

National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Sullivan tells WKU Public Radio that two inches of snow an hour are falling in some parts of the region.

"We've got reports of 7 to 10 inches of snow from parts of western Kentucky to south-central, and that's right where the heaviest band has gone through, and it's continuing in that area. So there will probably be places to get up to 15, maybe 16 inches of snow."

Winter Weather Causing Air Traffic Delays in Region

Many flights at the Nashville International Airport are either canceled or delayed Monday.

Southwest Airlines has canceled all departures and arrivals from Nashville for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, Louisville International Airport reports
some flights there are either canceled or delayed.

Travelers should check before going to the airports to make sure their flights are on time and on schedule.

Bowling Green City Schools Closed Tuesday

All Bowling Green Independent School District schools and district offices will be closed Tuesday, February 17, 2015, due to winter weather.

No Day Classes at Campbellsville Univ. Tuesday

There will be no day classes (those 5 p.m. and earlier) tomorrow Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Campbellsville University.

Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs, said a decision on night classes for tomorrow will be announced later.

Staff members are to travel to work at their own discretion tomorrow.

Portion of I-71 North Closed

The Courier-Journal reportsI-71 northbound has been closed north of the Watterson Expressway due to the poor road conditions.

Be Careful if You Approach a Snow Plow on the Roadways

If you have to be on the roads today, you’re urged to exercise caution if you approach a snow plow.

Chris Jessie, with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Elizabethtown office, has this advice if a snow plow approaches you from the rear:

“Slow down and let that driver—that professionally trained snow plow driver—make the decision as to what they need to do. If they need to stop behind you, or go around you slowly, let them do that. If they need to plow and turn their plow to the left and get around you, let them do that.”

Jessie says if a snow plow is ahead of you on the roadway, don’t try to pass it, and keep extra distance between your vehicle and the plow.

The Transportation Cabinet says it can deploy 1,000 snow plows and 385 contractors with plows, but has a responsibility for 63,000 lane miles of roadway.

Warren County Schools Announcement

Warren County Public Schools has called off classes for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kentucky General Assembly Won't Meet Tuesday

Due to inclement weather and concerns about hazardous road conditions, the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives will not convene on Tuesday.  Tuesday’s legislative committee meetings have also been canceled.  As of now, both chambers are scheduled to convene on Wednesday, with the Senate going into session at 2 p.m. and the House at 4 p.m.

Kentucky State Police Fielding Numerous Calls from Motorists

The Kentucky State Police post in Bowling Green reports there have been no serious accidents on the roadways so far today.  Dispatchers are getting lots of calls from motorists who have slid off the roadways or become stranded.  People are urged to call police only for emergencies.  Road conditions are available by calling 511 or going online to 511.ky.gov

Bowling Green Traffic Advisory on Fairview Ave.

Bowling Green Municipal Utilities electric crews are currently replacing a 69kV pole that was hit by a vehicle.

BGMU has closed all four lanes of Fairview Avenue for approximately the next 12 hours between Greenlawn Avenue and Hampton Avenue (9am – 9pm).

Please exercise caution when traveling in this area.

KSP: Safety Most Important Thing 

Kentucky State Police is cautioning motorists about this severe winter storm that's hitting south central Kentucky. They say a mix of freezing temperatures and snow will make traveling conditions very difficult until the middle of the week at least. Ten to 15 inches of snow is possible.

The most important thing is, if you don't have to be on the roadway when it's hazardous, stay home.

If you must go out, make sure you have some items in your vehicle such as non-perishable food items, water, extra layers of clothing, blankets, jumper cables and a fully charged cell phone in case you become stranded. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.

While driving on hazardous roadways, travel at a safe speed; the posted speed limit you see on signs is for perfect conditions. Make sure you leave plenty of distance between you and other motorists and allow greater distances for stopping. And, of course, wear your seat belt.

Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel. Having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off the road or having a collision. Turn on your headlights and remove any dirt, mud or snow from them.

Police say don't use cruise control and avoid sudden braking and acceleration.

If you do have a collision or run off the road, be patient and stay in your vehicle. Bad weather limits the capabilities of law enforcement officers and emergency crews and increases response time.

State police also ask  that if you wish to check the current road conditions, call 511, not 911. Use 911 only for emergency situations only for yourself or if you see another stranded motorist.

But, again, state police say the best advice they can give on driving in these treacherous conditions is don't. If you don't have to be out, be safe and stay at home.

Winter Weather Warning Monday

Our listening area is under a winter storm warning until midnight central, 1 am eastern time.

The heaviest snowfall is expected to drop from now until 3 pm west of I-65, and until 6 pm east of the interstate. Up to a foot of snow is possible in the region.

Authorities are warning that travel will be dangerous with some roads nearly impassable. If you must be out on the roads today, you’re advised to blankets, food, water, and a flashlight.

Campuses Closed Across Region

All WKU campuses are closed Monday. Classes have also been canceled at Campbellsville University and Lindsey Wilson College.

The award-winning news team at WKU Public Radio consists of Dan Modlin, Kevin Willis, Lisa Autry, and Joe Corcoran.