“Use this as a wake-up call,” experts urge caution during winter weather week

HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – Roads across Eastern Kentucky were greeted with snowfall Monday and Tuesday. Now, during Winter Weather Awareness Week, authorities are urging you to stay safe when dealing with wintry weather.

National Weather Service warning coordinator and meteorologist in Jackson, Kentucky, Jane Marie Wix, said although the snow from earlier this week came from a clipper system, lake effect snow is occurring in other parts of the United States.

“In fact, we can even get lake effect snow here,” Wiz said. “Maybe it’s not exactly the same type that they put up there, but often if we pull enough air out of Lake Michigan, like in a north-northeast current, we can pull some moisture out of the lake, especially if we have a If part of the terrain is hit, light snowfall may occur.”

The National Weather Service in Jackson is forecasting upcoming winter weather. This is to prepare people for bad weather conditions.

“This was a very light event, but we could have a strong event, so use this as kind of a wake-up call for the winter,” Wix said.

Winter Weather Week runs from December 1st to 7th. Department of Highways District 10 Public Information Officer HB Elkins said this is the perfect time to be reminded of the precautions to take.

Elkins said that includes bundling and making sure to scrape the snow not only from the car’s windows but also from the roof.

“That snow can be blown away and if there’s a car behind you, it can hit right into the windshield,” Elkins said. “We encourage drivers to completely clear their vehicles of snow before driving.”

Elkins said the Department of Highways has a priority system by which roads are salted. This starts with motorways and main roads.

“We try to turn the parkways every hour and the other main Priority A roads every two hours,” Elkins said.

Officials said most importantly, people should use common sense when driving this winter season. This includes bringing extra layers of clothing, giving yourself more time before leaving for your destination, and only going out in snow and ice if you absolutely have to.

For more safety reminders, visit Weather.gov/jacksonky.

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