Cold/Wind Chill — Fayette, Kentucky

2016-01-11 · Fayette, Kentucky

Event narrative

Bitterly cold temperatures encompassed central Kentucky during the morning hours of January 11th. Widespread lows were in the single digits to low teens and Bluegrass Airport in Lexington recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degrees. A slight breeze kept wind chill values in the single digits above and below zero. A local homeless man was found unresponsive in downtown Lexington and later pronounced dead. The Fayette County Coroner's office determined alcohol and exposure to the cold leading to hypothermia contributed to his death.

Wider weather episode

A weather system brought a quick inch or less of snow to much of central Kentucky during the early morning hours January 10 and then was followed by bitter cold temperatures and strong winds. Temperatures fell throughout the day, crashing into the teens by afternoon. Combined with brisk winds and wind chill values were in the single digits by late afternoon. Clearing skies set the stage for a cold night and Lexington fell to 10 degrees during the early morning hours January 11. A 41-year old homeless man was found unresponsive in downtown Lexington and was later pronounced dead. Coroners determined that alcohol consumption and long exposure to the cold temperatures contributed to the death.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 607368. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.