Tracy Shirley, Director of Barren County Emergency Management, speaks to a crowd gathered inside the University of Kentucky Extension Office located in Barren County.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW — Sleet and freezing rain are expected across the area later this week, and Barren County Emergency Management recommends folks prepare ahead of it.
The National Weather Service says a complex storm system will bring widespread rain to the region Tuesday evening into Thursday. Precipitation will transition to a wintry mix Thursday, and impactful ice and sleet is possible.
“We’re always trying to have a contingency plan,” said Director of Barren County Emergency Management Tracy Shirley. “We’re never as what you would call an idle.”
No warnings or advisories are in effect for counties south of Hart County as of 2 p.m. Tuesday. Most of Kentucky remains under a winter weather watch, which means conditions are favorable for a storm.
The NWS has placed a “medium” confidence rating on the storm’s probability.
Power outages and tree damage could be possible as rain freezes. Slick and hazardous roadways are also expected Thursday and Friday.
“Always use extra caution when you’re driving back on these small roads,” Shirley said. “Usually the county roads, they’re the ones that are covered by trees more.”
The winter storm watch is valid Thursday morning until early Friday. An ice storm warning may be issued if conditions shift toward significant icing potential.
Shirley said roadcrews are prepared to react to the weather.
Brines and salt solutions are used to melt and eliminate ice. Those solutions are specific and cannot be used at certain temperatures or during rainfall.
