Winter Storm in Livingston, Kentucky

Low pressure developed over the southern Plains, spreading widespread heavy precipitation across western Kentucky. At the same time, high pressure over the upper Ohio Valley produced a cold easterly wind flow. The result was a crippling ice storm. Around one inch of ice caused extensive damage across parts of western Kentucky, along and north of a line from Paducah to Madisonville. Many of those same areas received two to four inches of sleet and snow. Numerous trees and power lines were brought down, knocking out power to many thousands of homes. Power outages lasted up to a week. Emergency shelters were established in several counties (including Livingston, Crittenden, and Hopkins Counties) for those without power for extended periods. The National Guard was mobilized in Crittenden and Livingston Counties to help conduct door-to-door welfare checks and direct traffic. Many roads were covered by downed trees and tree limbs. Even some major roads such as U.S. Highway 60 were closed or impassable for over 24 hours in Livingston and Crittenden Counties. Travel there was banned for all but emergency traffic. Near Paducah, a fatal accident occurred shortly after the onset of freezing rain (indirect fatality). A woman lost control of her SUV in a curve and hit a tree at 45 mph. That wreck was one of 14 weather-related crashes in McCracken County. A section of the Western Kentucky Parkway was closed from the Pennyrile Parkway to Dawson Springs while tree debris was cleared from the road. All roads into and out of Dawson Springs were blocked by trees at one point.