Wind chills have plunged well below zero across Kentucky as a blast of arctic air forced schools to cancel classes Monday.
Temperatures dropped into the low single digits across the state early Monday, and wind chills plummeted to 19 below at Louisville and minus-14 in Lexington and Bowling Green.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews report highways were generally in better condition than expected Monday morning as wind overnight helped to dry pavement surfaces. Still, motorists are urged to use extreme caution due to the threat of black ice forming where moisture remains on the pavement.Public Information Officer Keith Todd in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the extreme cold will limit the impact of salt and other ice-fighting chemicals until temperatures rise above 18 degrees Fahrenheit. That means hazardous driving conditions will likely exist through about Wednesday morning.
Additionally, motorists are reminded to be aware of hazards posted by extreme cold temperatures. Information on dealing with the single digit temperatures can be found at www.ready.gov/winter-weather.