According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a round of light snow late today and tonight is anticipated followed by brutal cold Wednesday and Wednesday night.
A quick moving weather system should bring a period of light snow to much of the region late today and tonight. A fresh inch or two may accumulate on roadways. While gradual improvements are being made with plowing across the area, most roads are still snow-covered with some very hazardous to near-impossible to drive on. Use extreme caution if you must get out to travel.
The light snow will usher an even stronger Arctic blast Wednesday and Wednesday night. Temperatures will likely hold in the 8 to 15 degree range all day long. In addition, blustery northwest winds 15 to 25 mph will create wind chills in the minus 5 to minus 15 degree range.
As the arctic high moves closer Wednesday night, winds will slacken and temperatures will plummet below zero before midnight in many locations. By sunrise Thursday, actual temperatures in the minus 5 to minus 15 range should be commonplace.
With these types of conditions, numerous home and business water lines could freeze up. Vehicles batteries may die and fuel lines may freeze. In addition, overworked furnaces may create demand issues at local utility plants, resulting in some power outages. Outdoor pets should be given adequate shelter from the cold. Outdoor water dishes will freeze, so fresh water should be given frequently to avoid dehydration.
