City of Paducah readies crews ahead of major winter storm
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The City of Paducah is preparing for the region’s first major winter storm of 2026, expected to arrive late Friday and continue into Saturday.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from late Friday night through Sunday morning. Forecasters say 7 to 13 inches of snow are possible, with high confidence the Paducah area will receive at least 6 inches. Heavy snowfall is expected to affect travel and city services. Prolonged cold is also forecast, with wind chills below zero and daytime highs remaining below freezing through the weekend and into next week.
Public Works crews are spreading brine today and Friday on primary and secondary routes, intersections and bridges. After those areas are treated, crews will move to neighborhood streets. Brine dries to a fine salt powder that helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement. Snow plows are also being readied for weekend operations.
“For your safety and to allow crews and emergency personnel to work efficiently, please give plenty of space to salt trucks and snowplows,” Public Works Director Chris Yarber said. He urged motorists who must travel to carry blankets, water, food, a charged cellphone, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
Once winter precipitation begins, city parks and facilities, including the Paducah Recreation Center, are expected to close. Noble Park and Oak Grove Cemetery will remain closed until the storm passes and crews clear roadways and assess any damage. Restroom facilities will also close.
Deputy Fire Chief of Fire Prevention Greg Cherry encouraged residents to prepare now for snowfall and extended cold.
“Plan for your pets, check on neighbors, and make sure you have enough supplies, food and water,” Cherry said.
Cherry also reminded residents to heat their homes safely, including keeping a three-foot clearance around fireplaces and space heaters, keeping flammable items away from heat sources, and never placing a space heater in a child’s room.
The Paducah Fire Department recommends residents have a fire escape plan, working smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors if using gas heat. Apartment residents should know exit locations and keep essential items — such as a phone, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or mobility devices — nearby. Building owners are asked to keep heat on in areas with fire sprinkler systems to prevent frozen pipes.
Additional safety tips include plugging only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet, turning off space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed, using heaters with automatic shut-off features, never using an oven or stovetop for heat, and having chimneys and heating equipment inspected annually.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths, with portable space heaters responsible for most fatalities.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local media and official weather sources for the latest updates as the storm approaches.
