Hopkinsville and surrounding areas dodged severe conditions from an ice storm that moved into Western Kentucky overnight. No power outages were reported in Christian County, but officials urged caution on roads Thursday morning as some agencies closed their offices and schools shifted to virtual instruction.
“Road conditions throughout Christian County are slick,” the Christian County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. “… some areas are worse than others. Give yourself some extra time during your morning commute.”
Shortly after 7 a.m., the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reported a crash involving several vehicles in the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 near Pennyrile Parkway. The crash closed all lanes of I-24, a spokeswoman said.
“Major highways are icy but passable. Crews continue to address main corridors,” the cabinet reported.
Hopkinsville Solid Waste collection services were suspended Thursday but could resume Friday depending on road conditions, Mayor Wendell Lynch’s office said. Nonessential city offices were closed, including the tax office at the Hopkinsville Municipal Center. The sportsplex and the Thomas Street Recreation Center were closed. The Christian County Health Department was closed, along with public schools and Hopkinsville Community College.
City road crews with salt trucks and snow plows were clearing streets, according to a news release.
“While every winter storm is different, posing various challenges, these are the emergencies our public safety teams train for. They are professionals, committed to the care and wellbeing of our residents,” Lynch said in the release. “Considering the level of ice presented with this storm system, we do ask the public for patience and assistance by remaining off the roads as much as possible while roadways are being cleared.”
The region is under an ice storm warning until 6 p.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service predicted rain, freezing rain and sleet before 4 p.m. with an 80% chance of precipitation. The forecast indicated little or no additional ice accumulation Thursday.
The Kentucky Mesonet weather station in Christian County recorded approximately a quarter inch of precipitation Wednesday.
Gov. Andy Beshear closed state offices.
“Fewer Kentuckians traveling is what we need to protect lives, reduce accidents and clear roads for our emergency responders and transportation crews,” Beshear said.
Essential state workers in mandatory operations would report to work, according to the governor’s announcement.
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.
