The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to start pre-treating highways in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties on Sunday in preparation for a winter weather event in the forecast for Sunday evening into Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
The Sunday evening event that is expected to roll into Monday morning includes up to one inch of snow along the Kentucky-Tennessee border counties.
The Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning event may include freezing rain with some snow accumulation.
Motorists are encouraged to closely monitor area news media outlets for forecast updates from the National Weather Service as these two opportunities for winter precipitation approach.
KyTC crews in District 1 plan to pre-treat starting about 7 a.m. on Sunday and continuing on Monday as weather conditions allow. Motorists should be alert for trucks spraying brine along area highways.
Pre-treating involves spraying brine on road surfaces where it dries to leave a fine powder of salt that then becomes available to be activated by falling precipitation in the early hours of an event. The salt powder initially helps improve driving conditions. Later, as snow accumulates, the salt keeps the snow from bonding to the pavement and makes it easier to plow away.
Highway crews normally do not pre-treat when there is a chance of rain washing the brine away or when temperatures are below about 20 degrees.
Crews will also be on alert status for whatever snow arrives overnight Sunday into Monday.
If appropriate, crews will continue pre-treating efforts on Monday to prepare for the winter precipitation expected on Tuesday evening.
The KyTC District 1 Snow and Ice Team will be monitoring the forecast for updates, continuously evaluating efforts, and adjusting crew activities as the forecast firms up through the weekend.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews will be doing their part by spreading salt and other ice-fighting chemicals to help improve driving conditions. They ask that you do your part by buckling your safety belt, assuring that you have good tread on your tires, and slowing down to meet localized weather conditions.
Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.
