NWS: Weather advisory in effect, road conditions expected to be hazardous
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky, issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Tri-State area Friday evening as a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain fell from the skies.
The warning was scheduled to be in effect until 3 a.m. Saturday. However, the NWS does expect precipitation to continue into Saturday morning, with a good chance for hazardous road conditions as the temperature continues to drop.
The advisory calls for accumulations of ice from 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch, along with additional snow and sleet accumulations of up to one inch.
Ice on trees and power lines, as well as fallen tree branches, have caused some isolated power outages.
Officials encourage people to avoid driving on roads that are iced over, especially on bridges and overpasses, which freeze faster due to air exposure.
PREVIOUSLY: The Tri-State could see ice and snow over the weekend; however, weather forecasters said it's too early to determine how much and where.
A small chance of rain Thursday evening could drench a mild, yet windy Valentine's Day, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky.
The Friday precipitation is likely to begin around noon with rain, which will turn to snow after 5 p.m. Forecasters said they are expecting less than a half inch of accumulation.
The weather center said another small chance for snow and freezing rain is possible Saturday after midnight.
Flooding
Local officials, already keeping an eye on rising waters, are now warning drivers to look out for fleeing deer near the twin bridges and another winter storm moving into the area.
As the Ohio River rises above flood stage, herds of deer -- hemmed in by high water -- are being forced to cross busy U.S. 41-North near the twin bridges because their usual bottom-land passages under the bridges are under water.
There were reports of deer vs. car collisions earlier this week, and emergency officials are now pausing traffic periodically to "shoo" the deer safely across the roadway to higher ground on the Audubon Park side of the roadway.
So slow down and keep an eye out as you travel that area.
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