The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel overnight and be prepared for hazardous driving conditions on the Friday morning commute across western Kentucky.
At 7 p.m., Thursday evening, driving lanes are clear on I-24 and most area parkways. However, crews are reporting some signs of re-freezing, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Highways that have been cleared down to the driving surface that have not fully dried this evening are likely to re-freeze as temperatures plunge into the low teens overnight.
Temperatures below 20 degrees greatly diminish the ice-fighting properties of salt and calcium chloride, said Keith Todd of the Kentucky Department of Highways.
"That will make for particularly hazardous driving on the morning commute. The cold temperatures will severely limit the ability of highway crews to improve driving conditions until temperatures start to warm through the morning hours Friday," Todd said.
Motorists should slow down and allow extra travel time.
In addition, the low temperatures can turn something as simple as a flat tire into life-threatening situation. Motorists should carry winter-weight clothing and be prepared to deal with the cold temperatures.
