Winter Storm Blair Dumps Heavy Snow Across Kentucky

News Summary

Winter Storm Blair has hit Kentucky hard, bringing heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous travel conditions. Snowfall could reach up to 10 inches, prompting a state of emergency in Lexington. Major airports are experiencing flight cancellations while schools have closed in preparation for the storm’s effects. With 60 million people affected nationwide, officials urge residents to stay informed and safe during this severe weather event.

Winter Storm Blair Dumps Heavy Snow Across Kentucky

Lexington – Brace yourselves, folks! Winter Storm Blair has rolled into Kentucky, and it’s packing a punch. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm watch for many areas across the state, signaling that it’s time to prepare for some serious winter weather.

So, what can we expect? Well, Blair is set to cover much of Kentucky under a thick blanket of snow, followed by a layer of sleet and ice. Yes, you heard that right – we’re talking about potential thundersnow! This rare phenomenon happens when warm, moist air clashes with cold, dry air, making for quite the unique winter spectacle. It might sound fascinating, but it also comes with its fair share of complications.

Heavy Snow and Freezing Rain

As early as Sunday morning, heavy snowfall began to set in, with the situation escalating into the evening as snow transitioned into freezing rain. Some locations in Kentucky might witness snowfall totals reaching up to 10 inches, not to mention ice accumulations that could hit three-quarters of an inch! That’s a lot of snow and ice to shovel.

As the storm progresses, snowfall rates could soar to as much as 2 inches per hour. With such rapid accumulation, it’s no wonder that Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency to keep everyone safe and prepared for the chaos that’s coming. It’s certainly going to be one for the books!

Flight Cancellations and School Closures

Meanwhile, multiple school districts throughout Kentucky have called it quits on in-person classes for Monday. The University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University are closing campus operations as a precaution. It looks like students will have an extended winter break, though it might not be the kind they were hoping for!

Hazardous Travel Conditions

30 non-injury and 10 injury collisions within just a few hours.

snow emergency has been declared in Lexington, activating the city’s emergency management center to coordinate snow removal efforts. This is essential as more snow and ice are still in the forecast. The Lexington Public Library has also closed all branches, and many local businesses and churches are following suit to keep their patrons safe.

The Bigger Picture

winter weather alerts. The storm system is causing concerns for travel across several states, with warnings about continuing icy conditions into Monday morning.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Major Restructuring at WTVQ TV in Lexington
Record-Breaking 70°F Weather in Lexington on February 3rd
Fayette County Schools Declare Non-Traditional Instruction Day
University of Kentucky Announces Two-Hour Delay Due to Winter Weather
Fayette County Schools to Reopen on March 14
Fayette County Schools Set Makeup Day for March 14
Lexington Community to Participate in ‘Walk for Warmth’ Event
Lexington Leaders Enhance Hazardous Weather Responses
Lexington Mayor Gorton Presents Future Goals in State of the City
Lexington Prepares for Winter Storm Blair

Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com: Winter Storm Watch Issued
• Wikipedia: Winter Storm
• WTVQ: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
• Google Search: Winter Storm Alerts
• WKYT: First Alert Weather Day
• Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impacts
• WeatherBug: Severe Storm Risk
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
• WIS TV: Lexington County Power Outages
• Google News: Kentucky Weather

Author: HERE Lexington