Motorists advised to avoid unnecessary travel during winter event.
SOMERSET, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2026) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 highway crews are prepared to respond to a significant winter storm forecasted to impact the region this weekend, bringing freezing rain, snow and ice.
District 8 crews have spent the week preparing for an extended winter weather response by restocking supplies, sharpening chainsaws and ensuring equipment is ready for operation. Anti-icing operations began Thursday and will continue into Saturday morning.
This is a statewide winter weather event with major travel impacts expected. Forecasts indicate some areas could receive 6 to 12 inches of snow, along with sleet and ice, through Sunday afternoon.
Potential ice accumulations may cause damage to trees and power lines, creating additional challenges for road crews and potentially impacting response efforts. Single-digit temperatures are also expected and could reduce the effectiveness of road salt, which performs best at temperatures above freezing.
Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during this storm.
“We take snow and ice response very seriously,” said Chief District Engineer James Jones. “Our highway crews dedicate long hours away from their families to keep roadways as safe as possible during winter storms. We appreciate their commitment and encourage the public to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.”
KYTC snow and ice removal operations prioritize roadway safety and mobility. Crews work 12-hour shifts and plow and treat roads using a priority system:
Priority A: Major through routes and heavily traveled roads
Priority B: Important but less-traveled state routes
Priority C: All other routes
Snow priority maps for each county are available at SnowKY.ky.gov.
KYTC’s priority is to keep major routes—such as interstates, parkways and high-volume highways—passable. Continuous snowfall will cover plowed and treated surfaces, and it will take time to reach lower-volume routes. While crews will work around the clock, many roads may not be clear until after the storm passes.
If travel is not critical, stay off the roads. Fewer vehicles allow snowfighters, first responders and utility crews to work more safely and efficiently.
If travel is necessary, motorists should slow down, use high-volume routes, and carry an emergency car kit. Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and never pass them on the shoulder. Eliminate distractions such as cellphone use while driving and follow Kentucky’s Quick Clearance Law, which requires vehicles involved in non-injury crashes to move to the shoulder.
Do not call 911 for road conditions.
For the latest traffic and roadway conditions, visit GoKY.ky.gov. Follow KYTC District 8 on social media at x.com/KYTCDistrict8 and facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8.
KYTC District 8 is responsible for maintaining state highways in Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell and Wayne counties.
(Amber Hale – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 8)