Sunday, January 11
NWS Alerts Active This Day
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 10 at 1:39PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Light snow is expected across the area early Sunday morning. Minor snow accumulations are possible. Temperatures around freezing will support the development of slick spots, especially on elevated and untreated surfaces. Additional snow showers are expected throughout the morning with temperatures dropping into the mid and upper 20s. As the snow showers move through, quick bursts of snow will reduce visibility and result in light snow accumulations which may cover roadways. If traveling Sunday, allow for some extra time to reach your destination and be prepared for rapidly changing driving conditions.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 10 at 4:10PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
A potentially robust band of snow showers is expected to develop later tonight, then move across eastern Kentucky as a cold front pushes into the area. This frontal passage will drop temperatures to below freezing in most locations by dawn Sunday. Brief visibility reductions and light accumulations will be possible within any squall-like snow showers that develop. The risk for gusty snow showers and/or snow squalls continues into Sunday afternoon, before subsiding from west to east by evening. Those traveling late tonight and on Sunday should be prepared for sudden visibility reductions and potentially slick elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses as winter weather returns to the the region.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 10 at 4:15PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
A potentially robust band of snow showers is expected to develop later tonight, then move across eastern Kentucky as a cold front pushes into the area. This frontal passage will drop temperatures to below freezing in most locations by dawn Sunday. Brief visibility reductions and light accumulations will be possible within any squall-like snow showers that develop. The risk for gusty snow showers and/or snow squalls continues into Sunday afternoon, before subsiding from west to east by evening. Those traveling late tonight and on Sunday should be prepared for sudden visibility reductions and potentially slick elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses as winter weather returns to the region.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 10 at 9:18PM EST by NWS Louisville KY
Scattered snow showers are expected Sunday morning along and behind a cold front. Temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing through the early to mid-morning hours behind this cold front. A few of these snow showers could be heavier, causing a rapid drop in visibility and a quick coating on roads. It will also be quite blustery, with winds from the northwest gusting to around 30 mph. The winds will also help limit visibility in snow, creating briefly difficult travel conditions. Elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses will likely become slick earlier. Anyone traveling Sunday morning should be prepared for sudden visibility changes and potentially slick road surfaces. Overall, snow accumulations will be light (half inch or less) and quite localized in nature. Not everyone will see a dusting of snow.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 10 at 11:24PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Snow is expected across the area late tonight into early Sunday morning. Some light accumulations are possible. With temperatures falling, and reduced visibilities in the snow, travel conditions may become difficult. Additional snow showers are expected during the morning and early afternoon. As snow showers move through, quick bursts of snow will reduce visibility and result in light snow accumulations which may cover roadways. If traveling, allow extra time, and prepare for changes in driving conditions.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 10 at 11:24PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
A potentially robust band of snow showers is expected to move across eastern Kentucky late tonight and early on Sunday as a cold front pushes into the area. This frontal passage will drop temperatures to around or below freezing in many locations by dawn on Sunday. Brief visibility reductions and light accumulations are possible within any squall-like snow showers that develop. The risk for gusty snow showers and/or snow squalls continues into Sunday afternoon, before subsiding from west to east by evening. Those traveling late tonight and on Sunday should be prepared for sudden visibility reductions and potentially slick elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses as winter weather returns to the region.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 3:59AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Snow showers are expected to develop this morning. As snow showers move through the area, quick bursts of snow will reduce visibilities and result in light snow accumulations. With temperatures falling, and reduced visibilities in the snow, travel conditions may be impacted. If traveling, allow extra time, and prepare for changes in weather and road conditions.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 5:04AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
Gusty snow showers and isolated snow squalls are expected today, primarily between 8 AM and 2 PM EST. Snow squalls could produce sudden visibility reductions to under one quarter mile and up to a quick inch of snow accumulation. The risk for gusty snow showers and snow squalls will subside from west to east during the afternoon. Those traveling today should be prepared for sudden visibility reductions and potentially slick surfaces, especially on bridges and overpasses, as winter weather returns to the region.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 7:25AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A band of heavy snow accompanied by winds of up to 30 MPH which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 725 AM EST, a band of heavy snow was along a line extending from Lower Buffalo to Disputanta and moving east at 30 MPH. THIS BAND OF HEAVY SNOW WILL BE NEAR... McKee, Booneville, Lone, New Zion, Pebworth, Lakes, Bradshaw, Travellers Rest, Grass, and Delvinta around 730 AM EST. Jetts Creek, Copebranch, Sturgeon, and Cowcreek around 735 AM EST. Houston, Guerrant, Turkey, Privett, Gray Hawk, Southfork, Green Hall, Major, and Shop Branch around 740 AM EST. Atkinstown and Mummie around 745 AM EST. Curt and Elian around 750 AM EST. Haddix and Blake around 755 AM EST. Herd and Nathanton around 800 AM EST. Mildred around 805 AM EST. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this band of heavy snow. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly in winter weather situations. Be prepared for snow or ice covered roads. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 7:33AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
Gusty snow showers and isolated snow squalls are expected this morning into the early afternoon. Snow squalls could produce sudden visibility reductions to under one quarter mile and up to a quick inch of snow accumulation. The risk for gusty snow showers and snow squalls will subside from west to east during the afternoon. Those traveling today should be prepared for sudden visibility reductions and potentially slick surfaces, especially on bridges and overpasses, as winter weather returns to the region.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 7:38AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall accompanied by winds of up to 30 MPH which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 737 AM EST, a snow squall was along a line extending from Little to Conkling to Atkinstown and moving east at 40 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... McKee, Buckhorn, Morris Fork, Copland, Little, Wolf Coal, Saldee, Dalesburg, Watts, and Canoe around 740 AM EST. Gays Creek, Lamont, Chavies, Dice, and Rowdy around 745 AM EST. Talcum and Ary around 750 AM EST. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly in winter weather situations. Be prepared for snow or ice covered roads. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 7:55AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
At 755 AM EST, snow showers were located along a line extending from Lebanon to near Loveland to Forestville, moving southeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD Up to a half inch of snow accumulation and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE Radar indicated.
IMPACT Slick roads are possible. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Cincinnati, Middletown, Mason, Lebanon, Norwood, Fort Thomas, Newport, Sharonville, Monroe, Blue Ash, Loveland, Reading, Montgomery, Madeira, Milford, Bellevue, Deer Park, Dayton, Georgetown, and Blanchester. This includes the following Interstates... I-71 in Ohio between mile markers 8 and 36. I-75 in Ohio between mile markers 22 and 32. Exercise extra caution while traveling. To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can do so safely.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 7:58AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall accompanied by winds of up to 30 MPH which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 758 AM EST, a snow squall was along a line extending from Ned to Ricetown to Herd and moving east at 35 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... Buckhorn, Mistletoe, Buckhorn Lake S.P., Taff, Trixie, Ricetown, Gobbard, Sebastian, Southfork, and Blake around 805 AM EST. Krypton, Whoopflarea, Talcum, Bearville, and Fisty around 810 AM EST. Emmalena and Tina around 815 AM EST. Hindman, Bulan, Leburn, Ritchie, and Carrie around 820 AM EST. Garner around 825 AM EST. Hollybush around 830 AM EST. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS... Kentucky Highway 80 in Knott County between mile markers 1 and 10. Kentucky Highway 80 in Perry County between mile markers 9 and 15. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly in winter weather situations. Be prepared for snow or ice covered roads. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 8:25AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall accompanied by winds of up to 30 MPH which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 825 AM EST, a snow squall was along a line extending from East McDowell to Whoopflarea and moving east at 35 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... Hazard, Hindman, Estill, Wheelwright, Pippa Passes, Wayland, Glo, Talcum, Cordia, and Toulouse around 830 AM EST. Pikeville, Dry Creek, Mallie, Ivis, Avawam, Brinkley, and Elic around 835 AM EST. Virgie, Anco, Drew, Garden Village, Halo, Greenleaf, Amburgey, Diablock, Hall, and Shelbiana around 840 AM EST. Vicco, Sassafras, Pine Top, Wooton, May, Jonancy, Ivan, Littcarr, Wiscoal, and Omaha around 845 AM EST. Bath, Rockhouse, Lookout, Carr Creek, Smithsboro, Cody, Frew, Viper, Speight, and Belcher around 850 AM EST. Elkhorn City, Colson, Amelia, Redfox, Dorton, Deane, Democrat, and Cedarville around 855 AM EST. Isom, Lucastown, Sackett, Carcassonne, Polly, Beefhide, Ehkhorn Mine, Lester, McRoberts, and Gander around 900 AM EST. Fleming-Neon, Arminta, Tillie, Hemphill, Jeremiah, Carbon Glow, David, Ashcamp, Baker, and Horn around 905 AM EST. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS... Hal Rogers Parkway between mile markers 45 and 59. Kentucky Highway 80 in Floyd County between mile markers 1 and 3. Kentucky Highway 80 in Knott County between mile markers 1 and 20. Kentucky Highway 80 in Perry County between mile markers 9 and 15. U.S. Highway 23 in Lethcher County between mile markers 1 and 7. U.S. Highway 23 in Pike County between mile markers 0 and 19, and near mile marker 21. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 9:40AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
Gusty snow showers and isolated snow squalls will move through the area today, generally ending by 3 PM EST. Snow squalls could produce sudden visibility reductions to under one quarter mile and up to a quick inch of snow accumulation. The risk for gusty snow showers and snow squalls will subside from west to east during the mid to late afternoon hours. Those traveling today should be prepared for sudden visibility reductions and potentially slick surfaces, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 10:22AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 1021 AM EST, a snow squall was along a line extending from Sharpsburg to 6 miles east of Lancaster and moving southeast at 35 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... Mount Sterling, Camargo, Stepstone, Prewitt, Ewington, Wades Mill, Stoops, Judy, Klondike, and Flat Creek around 1025 AM EST. Owingsville, Boone, Jeffersonville, Upper Spencer, Westbend, Howards Mill, Peeled Oak, Oggs Station, Lower Spencer, and Kendall Springs around 1030 AM EST. Clay City, Kimbrell, Waltersville, Spout Springs, Crooks, Bean, Hope, Lucky Stop, Snider, and Fox around 1035 AM EST. Stanton, Marshall, Vaughns Mill, North Irvine, Peasticks, Disputanta, West Irvine, Climax, Kings Station, and Cedar Groves around 1040 AM EST. Irvine, Ravenna, Salt Lick, Goochland, Clover Bottom, Station Camp, Hisel, Willow Tree, Locust Branch, and Threelinks around 1045 AM EST. Frenchburg, Bowen, Pitts, Fagan, Furnace, Johnetta, Fitchburg, Doe Creek, Alcorn, and Sandgap around 1050 AM EST. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS... Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway between mile markers 13 and 34. Interstate 64 in eastern Kentucky between mile markers 105 and 125. Interstate 75 in east central Kentucky between mile markers 69 and 72. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 10:24AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 1024 AM EST, a snow squall was along a line extending from Olive Hill to Plummers Landing and moving southeast at 20 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... Haldeman, Muses Mills, Cranston, Waltz, Triplett, Gates, Hays Crossing, and Plummers Landing around 1030 AM EST. Munson and Hilda around 1035 AM EST. Morehead and Bruin around 1040 AM EST. Vale and Stark around 1045 AM EST. Farley, Elliottville, Christy, and Rodburn around 1050 AM EST. Wagner Store around 1055 AM EST. THIS INCLUDES Interstate 64 in eastern Kentucky between mile markers 136 and 149. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 10:59AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall accompanied by winds of up to 30 MPH which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 1057 AM EST, a snow squall was along a line extending from Vale to Pilot to Goochland and moving southeast at 30 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... Beattyville, McKee, Campton, Henry, Fincastle, Wellington, Pomeroyton, Torrent, Carico, and New Zion around 1105 AM EST. West Liberty, Sandy Hook, Stillwater, Pomp, Atkinstown, Murphyfork, Privett, Deese, Vada, and New Cummer around 1110 AM EST. Tallega, Steele, Olin, Pebworth, Annville, Daysboro, Lower Gilmore, Travellers Rest, Grass, and Lizzielane around 1115 AM EST. Booneville, Lewis, Payton, Athol, Crockett, Sturgeon, Helechawa, Tyner, Elamton, and Isonville around 1120 AM EST. Simpson, Moon, Williams, Chenowee, Caney, Rosefork, Royrader, Datha, White Oak, and Vancleve around 1125 AM EST. Jackson, Harper, Bethanna, Taff, Mima, Fogertown, Sextons Creek, Wheel Rim, Rock Lick, and Wonnie around 1130 AM EST. Kernie, Grace, Hager, Mountain Valley, Tella, Seiltz, Canoe, Felty, Dumont, and Bays around 1135 AM EST. Coon, Quod, Elna, Gifford, Quicksand, Redbush, Licksburg, and Lucky Fork around 1140 AM EST. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS... Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. Interstate 75 in east central Kentucky between mile markers 68 and 69. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 11 at 12:05PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 1204 PM EST, a snow squall was along a line extending from near River to Niles to near Conley Station and moving southeast at 35 MPH. LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... Paintsville, Prestonsburg, Salyersville, Inez, Mason, Martin, Warfield, Allen, Pilgrim, Oaklawn Estates, Florress, Davella, Falcon, Whitehouse, Collista, West Royalton Station, Williamsport, Milo, Redbush, and Relief. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents.
How Did We Do?
Comparing our AI forecast to actual observations from Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Regional Assessments
Purchase Area
Northwest Pennyrile
Southwest Pennyrile
Barren River
Louisville Metro
Lincoln Trail
Lake Cumberland
Northern Kentucky
Inner Bluegrass
Bluegrass Foothills
Northeast Kentucky
Southeast Kentucky
Colder and Blustery Sunday Following Dry Frontal Passage
A potent but moisture-starved cold front will sweep across Kentucky on Sunday. The primary story will be a sharp drop in temperatures through the morning hours and gusty northwest winds that will drive wind chills into the teens and twenties statewide. No measurable precipitation is expected as the atmosphere remains critically dry.
Confidence Assessment
High confidence in the arrival of cold air and gusty winds; however, the extreme outlier status of the ECMWF moisture profile introduces a significant, albeit unlikely, uncertainty factor.
Get Personalized Forecasts
Choose which region in Kentucky you're interested in and we'll always show you that one first. You can change your selected region by clicking the "Star" icon on any regional forecast.
Purchase Area
Expect a bright but chilly day across the far west. Plenty of sunshine will not overcome the cold northwest winds, with temperatures staying in the 30s for much of the day. Wind gusts up to 30 mph are likely during the morning hours.
Northwest Pennyrile
It will be a very cold day for the Owensboro area, with temperatures struggling to reach the freezing mark. Gusts up to 31 mph will keep wind chills in the teens all day.
Southwest Pennyrile
A chilly morning will lead to a sunny but brisk afternoon. No precipitation is expected across the region. Winds will remain elevated through the early afternoon.
Barren River
Expect a clear but windy Sunday. Gusts near 32 mph will make high temperatures in the mid-30s feel like the 20s. A heavy coat will be necessary for any outdoor activities.
Louisville Metro
Clouds will linger through the morning, but afternoon sunshine will be accompanied by cold temperatures and high winds. Wind chills in the early morning may drop into the teens.
Lincoln Trail
High winds and cold temperatures will dominate the day. It will feel like the teens for most of the morning. No snow or rain is expected.
Lake Cumberland
Sunshine will be plentiful, but a stiff northwest breeze will keep the area feeling very cold. Highs will struggle to reach the mid-30s.
Northern Kentucky
Temperatures will remain below freezing for the entire day. Clouds will linger longer here than in western regions. Expect a biting wind chill as low as 14 degrees.
Inner Bluegrass
It will be a very windy day with gusts over 30 mph. Biting wind chills in the teens will persist through the day. Skies will be clear, but the sun will offer little warmth.
Bluegrass Foothills
Morning clouds will give way to sunshine by afternoon. Expect a sharp drop in temperature as the cold front passes. No snow is expected.
Northeast Kentucky
It will stay cloudy longer in the Ashland area, with cold air finding its way into the valleys by the afternoon. Breezy conditions will continue throughout the day.
Southeast Kentucky
A relatively mild morning will quickly turn cold as the front arrives by midday. Expect clearing skies but falling temperatures. High winds are possible along the ridgelines.
Possible Outcomes
Weather forecasting involves uncertainty. Below are two scenarios representing the range of possible outcomes: the "Boom" scenario shows the worst-case/highest-impact result if conditions align unfavorably, while the "Bust" scenario shows the best-case/lowest-impact result if the forecast doesn't materialize as expected.
The 'Boom' Scenario
In the highly unlikely event that the moisture-rich ECMWF solution verifies, an arctic front would phase with southern stream moisture to produce a historic blizzard. However, this is currently viewed as a significant model outlier with little physical support in the mesoscale soundings.
The 'Bust' Scenario
If the trailing shortwave is weaker than expected, the pressure gradient may slacken earlier in the afternoon, allowing for slightly warmer temperatures and less wind impact in Western Kentucky.
Model Disagreements
When models disagree, a call must be made to determine the most likely outcome. This decision is based on a combination of factors including model performance, historical data, and the models general accounting of each climatic region of Kentucky.
The Great Moisture Disconnect
The ECMWF is forecasting a historic 3-4 foot blizzard across the state, while the GFS, NAM, and GEM show 0.00 inches of precipitation. This is a rare, fundamental disagreement on the presence of a tropical moisture plume.
Why NONE Wins
I am adjudicating in favor of the GFS/NAM/GEM consensus. Soundings show dewpoint depressions of 20+ degrees throughout the column, making the ECMWF moisture signal physically inconsistent with the surrounding synoptic environment.
Celestial Almanac
Last Quarter
Purchase Area
Northwest Pennyrile
Southwest Pennyrile
Barren River
Louisville Metro
Lincoln Trail
Lake Cumberland
Northern Kentucky
Inner Bluegrass
Bluegrass Foothills
Northeast Kentucky
Southeast Kentucky
Dive Deeper Into the Models
This forecast is a synthesis of raw data from the NAM, GFS, ECMWF, and GEM models. These models provide detailed atmospheric analyses including 500mb vorticity, precipitation rates, and more. You can take a look at the raw model data by clicking the links below.