332 briefly lose power due to winter weather

Montgomery County Schools students returned to school for one day this week following the Thanksgiving break before receiving another day off from the books due to snowfall overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Due to winter weather, Montgomery County Schools announced Tuesday, Dec. 2, as a NTI (Non-Traditional Instruction) Day.

On NTI days students learn from home.

As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Jackson reported snowfall totals in the area here between an inch to two inches.

At the time of the Advocate’s call, the National Weather Service said heavier snowfall had moved out, but noted there may be some lingering flurries.

Montgomery County Sheriff David Charles kept residents informed about roadway conditions Monday evening and into Tuesday via social media posts. The first post Monday evening alerted “freezing rain is now falling, please reduce speeds and as always, wear your seat belts.”

 Early Tuesday morning, he shared, “Roadways this morning have a light covering of snow with ice underneath in some locations. Allow extra time for your morning commute, reduce your speed, allow for extra stopping distance and wear your seatbelt.”

Charles urged motorists to use caution on bridges, overpasses and while turning.

“Road crews are out, give them room to work.”

At 8:42 a.m., Mt. Sterling Mayor Al Botts shared with the Advocate “Public Works was called out early this morning to start clearing the city streets. Luckily for us, the weather system moved through quickly and there wasn’t much accumulation. The salt the crews put down was enough to melt most of the snow and the streets were pretty clear by 8:30 a.m. This was a good first test for our team as we prepare for the winter season.”

The Montgomery County Fiscal Court shared that the road crew was out around 4 a.m. today to begin plowing.

“The barns are empty and the snow plows are out. Please be patient while we get to your neighborhood this morning. If you have to be out and about please use caution,” the county advised.

“If at all possible, you can help the guys out by parking your vehicle off the road to make room for them,” the Fiscal Court’s social media post added.

Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Greg Beam said 332 houses from the Bypass at Levee Road down Levee to Tonkin Road and in the Tonkin Road area briefly lost power Tuesday morning, but it was restored. 

There were no other issues reported, Beam said.

Kentucky state highway crews, a release sent out Monday said, were watching forecasts and preparing to respond to a wintry mix expected Monday evening and into today.

The Transportation Cabinet said the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for parts of western and central Kentucky and in eastern Kentucky along and north of the I-64 corridor. Precipitation was expected to range from rain, sleet and light ice in more southern counties to about one-three inches of snow in northern regions along the Ohio River. Heavy snow bands were possible in some areas. The main window for snow accumulation was 10-11 p.m. Monday evening through 6-9 a.m. today, according to a release.