All state office buildings will be closed in Kentucky on Friday, after a state of emergency was declared across the commonwealth.
Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency due to the heavy snowfall across Kentucky Thursday afternoon.
In a statement, Beshear cited the freezing, single-digit temperatures expected over much of the commonwealth through Thursday night for the closure.
“All roadway surfaces will freeze. They are and will be extremely dangerous,” Gov. Beshear said. “I am closing all state office buildings with a public warning to stay off the roadways so roadway crews can continue plowing and clearing roads.”
In a statement, Beshear said the powerful severe weather system is impacting travel on major interstates, state and local roadways, loss of power, and damage to public infrastructure and private properties.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky State Police are working all interstates. Search and rescue teams have been deployed to check on stranded motorists.
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The Kentucky National Guard is activated at all interstate closures and standing by on other roads that do not currently have closures.
The Red Cross is also monitoring the current need for warming centers.
Officials ask that Kentuckians stay off the roads if possible as the current weather conditions are dangerous.
Drivers are advised to be cautious during their Thursday afternoon commute as steady snow begins to fall throughout the Cincinnati area.
Hazardous Road Conditions in Greater Cincinnati
Drivers are advised to prepare for longer than normal travel times, and are urged to slow down and increase following distance. Road conditions will remain slippery even after the snow ends, especially on lesser-traveled roads.
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The snow forecast for the Cincinnati metro area is about an inch or less of light accumulating snow expected through the afternoon during peak commute times.
The National Weather Service has also issued a hazardous weather warning for the region, warning of below zero wind chill values Thursday night into Friday morning.
The winter storm warning for the Cincinnati area remains in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday.
School Closings and Delays
Augusta Independent Schools closed, Friday will be a Non-Traditional Instruction Program day
Beechwood Independent Schools one hour delay, no morning preschool
Boone County Schools closed, Friday will be a home instruction day
Bracken County Schools closed, Friday will be a Non-Traditional Instruction Program day
St. Cecilia School/Independence closed, Friday will be a Non-Traditional Instruction Program day
St. Paul/Florence one hour delay
St. Pius/Northern Kentucky one hour delay
Greater Cincinnati, Kentucky travel Advisories
Campbell County issued a Level One Travel Advisory that went into effect at 3 p.m. Officials said the Campbell County Road Department is currently experiencing temporary staffing shortages, causing a delay in clearing county roads during Thursday's snowfall. The department said they will be pre-treating roads as much as possible and utilizing other county employees to help cover snow plow routes.
Kenton County issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency that went into effect at 3 p.m.
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