The National Weather Service at Paducah has issued a winter storm warning for Western Kentucky with an increase in predicted snowfall of 4 to 8 inches Friday in the Hopkinsville area. The warning is in effect from late Thursday through late Friday.
Forecasters expect more snow in southern parts of Western Kentucky near the Tennessee border, Derrick Snyder, senior forecaster, previously said in a Facebook live report.
Several closures, including all local schools, were announced several hours ahead of the storm’s arrival. (See list below)
“That’s where you are seeing the potential for higher snowfall,” Snyder said.
The snow will impact road travel, especially Friday afternoon and evening.
Anyone slated to travel into Tennessee this weekend should make other plans because snowfall amounts south of the state border will probably be even greater, said Snyder.
Friday’s snow will follow a period of bitter cold with daytime highs hovering around the freezing mark. Overnight lows will be in the 10s and 20s, and the wind chill will be below 10 degrees.
“Snow will be able to accumulate quickly on all surfaces due to the arctic cold blast this week. Temperatures are expected to be near or below freezing throughout the entire event,” NWS officials said.
Colder temperatures could affect roads even before the snowfall. State highway crews will begin treating roads in District 2, which includes Christian County, on Thursday ahead of the storm’s arrival, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials warned in a press release.
“The extreme cold can result in the formation of ice on the roadway, sometimes in unexpected places, and with an extended cold spell in the forecast, that ice could stick around even during daytime hours,” the release states.
When temperatures are below 15 degrees, the effectiveness of road salt is reduced.
“Black ice can be very hard to spot, and can quickly become a hazard to unsuspecting motorists, especially at night.”
Salvation Army shelter
Hopkinsville’s Salvation Army will continue to provide its Extreme Weather Event (EWE) White Flag Shelter at 701 S. Clay St. for anyone needing a warm place to stay. It’s open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. when the temperature is at or below 25 degrees.
Both the White Flag Shelter and the Salvation Army’s standard shelter at 301 E. Seventh St. will offer extended hours during the storm to “guarantee anyone seeking refuge has a warm, safe place to stay.”
In addition, the agency now has a Rapid Response Unit, a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive, that can reach hard-to-access areas.
“As the storm approaches, the RRU will be deployed to provide vital supplies, including blankets, food, and water, to individuals unable to come in from the elements,” states a press release.
The Salvation Army is under the leadership of Lts. David and Brittney Donegan. Since moving to Hopkinsville several months ago, they have focused efforts on reaching people in need, “wherever they may be.”
Delays, closures and cancellations
The following weather-related delays, closures and cancellations on Friday have been announced:
- Christian County Public Schools, including Inspire Early Learning Academy, closed. Friday will be Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Day number 3. Students should complete the second day of their NTI assignments. Parents can contact teachers via ParentSquare for directions or assistance with NTI assignments. All extracurricular activities canceled Friday.
- University Heights Academy closed for traditional snow day
- Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School closed; this will be an NTI day for students in kindergarten through 8th grade
- Heritage Christian Academy closed; no NTI work assigned
- Hopkinsville Community College, all campuses, will operate remotely; students can access virtual resources here
- Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library closed
- Hopkinsville Municipal Center closing at 11 a.m.
- Hopkinsville Thomas Street Recreation Center and Sportsplex closing at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday Jr. Pro games postponed.
- Christian County Judge-Executive’s office closed
- Christian County Clerk’s Office closed
- Hopkinsville Electric System & EnergyNet offices closed
- Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority office and drive-thru window
- All senior centers in the Pennyrile Area Development District closed
- Christian County Chamber of Commerce offices closed but staff members will respond to email and phone calls
- Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Offices closed and all appointments rescheduled
- State offices closed
This story will be updated.
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.
