City crews are continuing to battle snow and bitter temperatures today.
“Our crews and employees are hard at work, taking all precautions to keep our residents safe and warm,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “We urge motorists to drive with caution. Snow is still coming down, roads are slick, and visibility is limited.”
With winter weather and bitter cold temperatures remaining in our forecast for the remainder of the weekend, the Mayor urges residents to “check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, protect your pets from the bitter cold, and limit your time outdoors.”
STREETS AND ROADS
Streets & Roads and Water Quality crews treated and monitored roads overnight. Ranked roads were pretreated with 50/50 salt brine and Beet Heet in preparation for the latest winter weather.
Both salt and Beet Heet are working. Overnight, it started snowing three separate times, which meant crews had to restart on the highest priority roads each time. Because of that, lower priority roads did not receive much attention.
However, pavement and air temperatures today will be warm enough for the road treatment to work. Crews are continuing to treat and plow throughout the day. Evening and night temperatures will be monitored for refreezing.
Sidewalk crews will be focusing on downtown in preparation for Saturday’s University of Kentucky men’s basketball game.
LEXINGTON POLICE
Between midnight and 8:30 this morning, Lexington Police responded to 16 non-injury collisions, one injury collision, and six calls for motorist assistance.
Lexington Police urge residents to check the weather forecast and view the live-time traffic cameras to check road conditions. Cameras can be found here.
Residents who see someone who needs non-emergency assistance can call Lexington Police’s non-emergency number at (859) 258-3600. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
LEXINGTON FIRE
With bitter cold temperatures remaining in the forecast through the weekend, it is important to allow water faucets to drip to reduce the risk of freezing pipes, said Fire Chief Jason Wells.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
The city will not pick up garbage or recyclables today. Some roads are too snow-packed for collection trucks to pass through safely. A make-up day is set for next Wednesday, January 24.
LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER
The Lexington Senior Center is open, however, instructor-led activities and classes are canceled, and lunch will not be served today. The fitness center remains open at this time. All Satellite Centers are closed
OFFICE OF HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
The Office of Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Emergency Weather Plan remains in effect through the morning of Monday, January 22, said Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Manager Jeff Herron. Conditions are being monitored, and resources will be updated, as needed.
Extended outreach efforts to reach individuals and facilitate access to shelters will continue, including free transportation to shelters.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks & Recreation has canceled the following events for Saturday, January 20: Explore More Outdoors at Jacobson Park, Better Than You Found It at Jacobson Park, and the Owl Prowl at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. LexArts Hop, including the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center stop, has been postponed until January 26.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and city golf courses are closed today. McConnell Springs is open.