Kentucky Drivers Face Dozens of Crashes as First Snow and Ice of the Season Hit the Bluegrass State
CLARK COUNTY, KENTUCKY — The first significant snowfall of the season left drivers across Kentucky facing treacherous conditions this week, with icy roads leading to dozens of crashes and renewed concerns about road treatment readiness.
According to Lexington police, more than 70 crashes were reported Monday evening as snow transitioned into ice across the region. By Tuesday morning, officers responded to six additional collisions on westbound I-64, all tied to slick conditions.
Snow Turns to Ice Overnight, Catching Many Off Guard
The WKYT First Alert Weather Team reported that snow squalls dropped around one inch of accumulation in most areas, though some regions saw heavier bursts. The sudden shift to freezing temperatures created black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, where road salt loses effectiveness faster.
“I started out about five this morning, so the roads have been decent,” said Michael Aakhus, a driver who commuted early before major freezing occurred.
Others weren’t as fortunate. “We’ve seen in the middle of the road, where the lines have a little bit of ice,” said Melissa Arthur, who traveled from Virginia through Kentucky during the storm.
Road Crews Race to Treat Routes Amid Rising Complaints
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) said crews worked through Monday evening to pretreat major highways and local roads. Despite those efforts, officials warned that black ice can form even on treated surfaces as temperatures plummet.
Truck driver Casaundra Allen said she wasn’t surprised by the icy conditions on bridges Tuesday morning.
“Maybe they treated the road before, maybe it was too cold, I don’t know,” she said. “They had the road closed off and were spraying something on the bridges.”
Some residents questioned whether road treatment continued long enough, noting that several interstate bridges remained icy overnight. WKYT reached out to both the KYTC and Clark County Road Department for comment on snow and ice preparations but did not receive responses before publication.
Officials Urge Caution as Temperatures Stay Low
Transportation authorities are reminding drivers that black ice remains invisible until it’s too late and continues to form overnight as temperatures drop below freezing. Crews are expected to monitor conditions throughout the week, with more light snow possible in central and eastern Kentucky.
Motorists are advised to slow down, increase following distances, and avoid sudden braking on icy bridges or shaded roadways.
As winter officially settles into the Bluegrass State, officials say the early-season storm serves as a reminder to prepare for hazardous driving and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. For updates on Kentucky weather alerts and travel safety news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.