Kentuckians, it’s time to prepare—a winter storm is headed our way, bringing a messy mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain early next week. If you live in Paducah or the surrounding areas, you’ll want to pay close attention to the forecast as conditions could become dangerous, especially for travel.
Right now, forecasters are tracking a system that will move in late Monday and linger through Wednesday, bringing a combination of cold temperatures, rain, snow, and possible ice accumulation. While it’s still uncertain how much snow will fall, one thing is clear—roads could turn treacherous, power lines may be impacted, and daily routines might be disrupted.
Let’s break down what’s coming and how to prepare.
🔎 What to Expect
🌥 Monday, February 10 – A Calm Start, But Don’t Be Fooled
- The day starts off quiet with some sun and high clouds.
- High temperatures will reach 44°F (7°C), but clouds will increase through the afternoon.
- Overnight, temperatures drop to 33°F (0°C), setting the stage for winter weather to arrive.
❄️ Tuesday, February 11 – A Wintry Mix Creates Hazardous Conditions
- On-and-off snow and rain showers are expected throughout the day.
- Temperatures will hover around 40°F (4°C) during the day and drop to 29°F (-2°C) at night.
- The biggest concern? Freezing rain. If temperatures dip just enough, rain could freeze on roads, sidewalks, and power lines, making conditions especially dangerous.
🧊 Wednesday, February 12 – A Slick, Icy Morning Followed by Afternoon Showers
- The morning could be especially tricky, with a layer of ice possible on roads and bridges.
- High temperatures will only reach 40°F (5°C), and overnight lows will plummet to 25°F (-4°C).
- Afternoon rain will add to the mess, potentially washing away some ice but also making travel conditions inconsistent and unpredictable.
🚨 How to Prepare Before the Storm Hits
With snow and ice possible, it’s better to prepare now than be caught off guard. Here’s what you should do:
🚗 Plan Ahead for Icy Roads
- If you don’t absolutely have to travel, consider staying home during the worst of the storm.
- If you must drive, make sure your car is stocked with essentials—a blanket, flashlight, phone charger, ice scraper, and extra food/water.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so be extra careful on elevated roads.
🏠 Be Ready for Power Outages
- Ice buildup on trees and power lines could knock out electricity in some areas. Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source ready.
- Charge all devices in advance, and keep extra blankets nearby in case the heat goes out.
🛒 Stock Up on Essentials
- Make sure you have non-perishable food, bottled water, and enough supplies to last several days in case conditions make it hard to leave home.
- Check on elderly family members or neighbors to ensure they’re prepared, too.
📡 Stay Informed—Weather Can Change Fast
- Winter storms are notoriously unpredictable. A slight change in temperature could mean more ice instead of snow, or vice versa.
- Keep up with local forecasts and emergency alerts so you’re not caught by surprise.
This winter storm could bring a little bit of everything—snow, rain, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. While we don’t know yet how much snow will fall, we do know roads could turn slick, power could be disrupted, and daily life may be impacted.
