Not quite an inch of snow accumulated overnight Sunday in Hopkinsville as residents dealt with frigid temperatures that will persist for a few more days.
The region remains under a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. Monday, and the National Weather Service cautioned that “slippery road conditions” could impact morning and evening commutes.
However, Monday morning traffic appeared light in Hopkinsville because schools, government offices and some businesses, including banks, were already closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Organizers called off the MLK march and program Monday morning at Hopkinsville Community College because of the weather. An MLK celebration was held Sunday afternoon at Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
Neighborhood streets and side roads in town were snow-packed but major routes, including Fort Campbell Boulevard, Main Street and South Virginia Street, had at least one lane plowed by mid-morning.
The major concern was bitter cold temperatures. The wind chill factor plunged to minus 7 Sunday night, according to the Kentucky Mesonet site for Christian County.
Monday’s high will be around 15 degrees, and the wind chill is expected to be as low as minus 6, according to the NWS forecast. Tuesday’s high will be 19 and Wednesday’s high will be at the freezing mark.
Hopkinsville could see a high of 34 on Thursday, but there’s a chance of more snow that evening. Temperatures will dip again Friday and Saturday with highs in the lower 20s.
Shelter options in the cold
The Salvation Army of Hopkinsville provides provides overnight shelter at its soup kitchen, 313 E. Seventh St., any night the weather forecast indicates the low temperature or the wind chill will be 20 degrees or lower. The Extreme Weather Event shelter in the soup kitchen is open on those nights from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and provides snacks and sleeping cots for anyone needing a place to stay warm.
In addition, the Salvation Army’s regular shelter at 301 E. Seventh St. opens daily at 4 p.m. It typically operates at capacity ever night, so those who don’t get a bed there can go next door to the shelter in the soup kitchen.
The agency will also open its administrative building lobby, 304 E. Seventh St., as a daytime warming center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays beginning Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Anyone needing help or seeking to help another person with emergency shelter in cold conditions may call the Salvation Army at 270-885-9633 or visit the administrative office.
‘Our commitment to the community extends beyond providing shelter, warmth and meals,” Lt. Lindsey Galabeas said in a press release. “It is an expression of love and compassion for those facing the harshest elements.”
Groups or individuals who want to help the Salvation Army with the cost of providing shelter can send a donation to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 427, Hopkinsville, KY 42241, or make a contribution online.
Cancellations and closures
There are several closures and cancellations on Tuesday because of the extreme weather conditions.
Schools and libraries
All public and private schools in Christian County are closed. Students in Christian County Public Schools will have a Non-Traditional Instruction Day, better known as NTI.
“Teachers and staff will be available by email, classroom apps or texts for any students or parents needing assistance or support,” a spokeswoman for the public schools said in a press release.
Hopkinsville Community College campuses will be closed Tuesday. Classes will operate remotely. “Students should check their KCTCS email and Blackboard for communication regarding each class,” a spokeswoman said in a press release. Additional information about HCC remote student services is available online.
The Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library will be closed Tuesday.
Government offices
Some government offices will be closed, including the Hopkinsville Municipal Center and the city tax office. Tuesday’s meeting of Hopkinsville City Council is rescheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 23.
The Christian County Clerk’s Office in the old courthouse will open late, at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
The Christian County Health Department will be closed Tuesday, as will the Hopkinsville Electric System.
Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority’s main office lobby and drive-thru service will be closed Tuesday for a computer system upgrade.
This story was updated to include Tuesday’s cancellations and closures.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
