County under winter storm warning; ice accumulation possible

STAFF REPORT

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, 11:59 p.m. — Nelson County and Central Kentucky is under a Winter Storm Warning that goes into effect 4 p.m. Wednesday through 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service is predicting a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, which will likely coat powerlines, tree limbs and structures that may lead to utility outages.

According to the National Weather Service, light snow is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon across southern Kentucky, changing to a mix of sleet and snow before shifting to freezing rain. This mixed precipitation will spread across the state in a northeastern direction, with the bulk of precipitation expected to fall Wednesday night through Thursday morning.

The NWS expects up to 1/4-inch of freezing rain to fall, with higher amounts possible. Sleet and snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches will be possible before precipitation shifts to freezing rain. The mix of precipitation and falling temperatures will make roadways hazardous. A significant coating of ice on power lines and trees could lead to utility failures and damage, though not in the same extreme as was found during the 2009 Ice Storm.

For a multimedia discussion of the weather forecast, click this link or the image at right.

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