Around three inches of snow, along with freezing rain, is expected to hit Lexington starting tonight.
Winter weather is expected starting 9 p.m. Monday evening through 10 a.m. Tuesday.
It’s the first major winter weather event for the city this season. Lexington mayor Linda Gorton says the city has invested more to tackle winter weather events this year than in years past, owing to more than $2 million in the city budget.
“Planning and preparations have been underway for many months, and we've worked with several key partners and partner agencies to improve coordination. That work is ongoing, we're prepared to respond with more resources than in the past,” Gorton said.
That includes five extra snowplows and more salt spreaders for trucks, hiring private contractors to help clear streets and buying three tanker trucks to treat its roads. The city has around 10,000 tons of salt — and 10,000 gallons of brine and beet heat — for treatment.
Lexington’s snow removal system is based on a ranking, with the biggest priority going to streets with high amounts of traffic. Priority is also given to streets used for emergency services or by Fayette County Public Schools.
City officials are asking residents to limit travel in the meantime. If travel is necessary, slow down and keep more distance between other cars.
“If it isn't urgent or absolutely necessary, stay off the roads. The best way to prevent issues on the roadway during the winter weather, during the winter storm, is to stay off the roadways,” Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said.
For those staying in, the Lexington Fire Department recommends testing carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, removing ash from fireplaces and being careful while using space heaters. That includes keeping them away from anything combustible, turning them off before bed and unplugging them when not in use.
The city is also working to shelter its unhoused population. Charlie Lanter, Lexington’s Commissioner of Housing Advocacy and Community Development, says 163 beds of the 216 at the city’s temporary winter shelter are occupied as of Monday morning. Lexington also has street outreach teams visiting encampments. The city’s public transit system is also offering free rides to shelter for those in need.
“If you're needing shelter, don't let some barrier prevent that. Come seek that help, and we'll see. If we can't figure out how to get you where you need to be,” Lanter said.
Updates are available on the city’s website and through social media.
