I think the worst is over…unless we have more snow…
-(then) Kentucky Governor Paul Patton, 1994
Forecasts have predicted that today’s snowstorm (February 16, 2015) will rival Lexington’s 1994 snow event that crippled the city, when a 17-inch snowfall was followed by a week-long deep freeze.
As in 1994, today’s snowfall is expected to be followed by frigid temps through the end of the week (Thursday’s forecast high is 8 degrees in Lexington).
Lexington mayor Jim Gray (along with the National Weather Service) has recommended limiting all non-essential travel. Albert Miller, director of streets and roads, reminds travelers that “salt is not as effective in bitter cold temperatures.” Today’s high in Lexington isn’t expected to reach 20 degrees.
Lexington Police Chief Mark Barnard has brought in extra crews and has units available to transport hospital and emergency personnel if needed, to work with people who are at risk, and to address traffic concerns, including covering the interstates.
City officials remind everyone to check on their neighbors, particularly the elderly and those who live alone, or who have special needs. Bring pets inside.
At 11 am, Lexington Division of Police reported 4 injury collisions, 15 non-injury collisions, and 96 motorist assists since midnight.
For state roadway conditions, call 511 for updates.
Area closings on Monday February 16, 2015 in Lexington include:
Centre College in Danville is closed today for snow.
Eastern Kentucky University is closed.
Lexington Public Libraries are closed today.
Lexington Habitat for Humanity and Habitat ReStore will be closed today.
LexTran buses/routes are operating on SNOWPLAN and will service only those stops marked with snowflakes.
Lexington YMCAs are all closing at noon. Classes and programs are canceled.
Transylvania University is closed.
University of Kentucky has cancelled classes. Only Plan B (essential) employees are reporting to work at UK.
In Frankfort, the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives will not convene on Tuesday, February 17.
Local businesses that have announced snowstorm closings today, February 16, 2015, via social media:
Clothes Mentor on Nicholasville Road is closed for snow.
Daffodils is closed for snow.
Dermatology Consultants and Skin Secrets will be closed today (Lexington and Richmond locations).
Lexington Women’s Health is closed, according to their twitter feed.
Martine’s Pastries is closed for snow.
North Lime Coffee and Donuts in Clays Mill closed at 8 am.
Tom + Chee in Hamburg is closed for snow.
OPEN today on Monday, February 16, 2015
Noodles and Co. on Nicholasville Road posted around Noon that they are OPEN.
UK HealthCare Hospitals and clinics are open, but call to change an appointment if necessary.
Five Reasons to Stay off the Roads today:
- You won’t be able to see the lanes. (The plows are out and roads have been salted, but visibility is low, and the lanes are obscured by snow.)
- Fender benders have the potential to divert emergency personnel from staffing actual life-threatening emergencies.
- If you do have an accident, it will be dangerously cold while you wait for help to arrive.
- Much like everyone thinks they have good taste and a sense of humor, everyone thinks they are an excellent driver in snowy or icy conditions (accident reports suggest otherwise).
- While northerners mock us for closing down for anything under a two-foot snowfall, our infrastructure here in the south is just not as prepared to manage heavy snowfall and icy temps as our Yankee neighbors.
Meanwhile, make sure all your devices are charged. While today’s snow is light and powdery (unlike 1994’s heavy wet snow that downed the power lines), you can’t be too careful.
If you must drive, buckle up for safety, and make sure you have plenty of gas.
As always, feel free to share your photos with us and we will pass them along via twitter, facebook (facebook.com/aceweeklyfans), and instagram.
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