Winter storm closures and cancellations mount

Officials warned residents they shouldn't try to travel, and the Salvation Army prepared to offer shelter to people needing a warm place during the storm.

The Presidents Day winter storm brought a steady flow of icy precipitation shortly before noon following overnight accumulation of roughly an inch of snow. Several businesses and local agencies announced cancellations and closures in anticipation of worsening conditions in the afternoon and evening.

Michelle Stringer sweeps snow from the Salvation Army entrance Monday morning. (Jennifer P. Brown photo)

The Salvation Army of Hopkinsville continued to offer shelter to anyone needing a warm place. The emergency shelter is open 24 hours, seven days a week. When it is full, the Salvation Army also provides the Emergency Weather Event shelter, better known as EWE, in the soup kitchen dining area. EWE is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. when the forecast indicates an overnight wind chill of 20 degrees or colder. The Salvation Army campus is on Seventh Street between Clay and Liberty streets downtown. 

Officials continued to warn residents they shouldn’t try to drive as roads became more dangerous. 

“This is do-not-come-out-unless-you-have-to weather,” Hopkinsville police officer Mike Atkins said in a Facebook video shot outside the police station Monday morning. 

The National Weather Service at Paducah warned, “Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. It will be dangerous to be stranded for any length of time due to the bitterly cold conditions.”

There is a 100% chance of heavy snow during the day and evening Monday, according to the NWS forecast. Another storm could produce more snow Wednesday and Thursday. 

The region is under a winter storm warning until 6 a.m. Tuesday. The forecast indicates Hopkinsville and surrounding areas will have 6 to 12 inches of accumulation. 

The NWS released a Winter Storm Severity Index map that lists Hopkinsville and most of Christian County in a major impact area. The major impact description states, “Extensive property damage likely, life-saving actions needed. Will likely result in major disruptions to daily life.”

The storm impact levels, from least to greatest impact, are limited, minor, moderate, major and extreme. 

City officials announced non-essential offices will be closed until Monday, Feb. 23, while employees work from home when possible. Hopkinsville Solid Waste called off trash pick-up services Monday. Information about pick-up services for the rest of the week will be announced later.

Tuesday’s meeting of Hopkinsville City Council is canceled, but the Committee of the Whole will meet virtually at 6 p.m. Thursday. 

Other cancellations and closures include:

  • Christian County Chamber of Commerce — closed Tuesday.
  • Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library — closed Monday. 
  • Hopkinsville Community College — all classes will meet virtually Tuesday and Wednesday, while campus offices are closed. Students may access virtual services online.
  • Christian County Health Department — the Canton street office, the regional vaccine clinic at the Bruce Center and COVID-19 test site were closed Monday. The health department will reschedule vaccine appointments for anyone scheduled to receive their shot Monday.
  • Pennyroyal Arts Council — all activities at the Alhambra Theatre this week are canceled; however, the Big Read kickoff will go on with Circe author Madeline Miller’s virtual talk at 6 p.m. Thursday. 
  • Thomas Street Recreation Center — closed Monday.
  • Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex — closed Monday. 
  • Christian County Public Schools — no in-person instruction Tuesday. The district will use non-traditional instruction. Extracurricular activities and food services canceled Tuesday.

This story will be updated as needed. 

Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.