The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory (amended from a winter storm watch), which is in effect for Hopkinsville from 2 a.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday.
Freezing rain is predicted before 10 a.m. Sunday, followed by rain and freezing rain from 10 to 11 a.m., and then showers after 11 a.m., according to the forecast. Total accumulation of one-tenth to three-tenths of an inch is expected.
Rain, snow and freezing rain are likely late Sunday into early Monday, and winds could gust up to 21 mph.
Sunday’s high temperature will be around 41 degrees; the overnight low will be in the mid-20s.
There is a chance of snow Monday morning with a high temperature of 31 degrees and winds gusting up to 23 mph.
The NWS advisory states that roads will likely be slick and hazardous for drivers. In addition, ice could cause power outages and tree damage.
“An arctic blast will arrive Monday and last through most of the week,” the advisory states. “Wind chill values will drop into the single digits or below zero at times, which can be even more dangerous with any long duration power outages.”
Avoid frozen water pipes
The Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority issued a list of cold weather water tips.
Before freezing weather sets in, residents should:
- Wrap exposed pipes
- Secure basements against the cold
- Block air passages into crawl spaces
- Check outside faucets
- Locate your water shut-off valve
And during freezing weather:
- Keep meter box lids closed
- Make sure heat reaches your pipes
- Keep a trickle of water running
More detail on how to protect water pipes is available here.
Overnight shelter
The Salvation Army of Hopkinsville announced it will open up expanded shelter space during the cold snap.
The Extreme Weather Event, or EWE Shelter, will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day through at least Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Anyone needing shelter should enter the facility at 701 S. Clay St.
This story was updated to provide changes in the NWS forecast for the Hopkinsville area.
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.
