Dangerously cold conditions on KY's doorstep

Quick update! Folks, the arctic blast is right on Kentucky's doorstep! I'm out in Oklahoma City right now and the front passed through this morning, dropping temperatures by almost 25 degrees in 2 hours. We're currently sitting at 3 degrees with a wind chill of -22! This will be commonplace for the entirety of Kentucky by later tonight. In fact, look for minimum temperatures to drop well below zero. Everyone is now under a 'Wind Chill Warning' through early tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, forecast wind chills have taken a step lower. We're now looking at possible wind chills in the -25 to -35 range as winds gusts to over 40 mph at times. Below is a look at the forecast wind chills for 7AM tomorrow morning (12/23) from the National Weather Service.

While the arctic cold is the primary concern with this storm, much of Kentucky is also under a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory as we'll see a quick-hitting round of snow. Below is a look at the current headlines as of 1PM Eastern from the National Weather Service. Saying that, the Winter Storm Warning was actually just expanded to the east. 2-4 inches is most likely for much of Western and Central Kentucky, while totals decrease farther to the east (2 or less). A combination of a flash freeze and blowing snow will lead to treacherous travel conditions. Stay home if at all possible! I've been watching the news out here in Oklahoma City and there's been multiple wrecks from the slick roads.

Below are the 1PM briefings from the local National Weather Service offices in Jackson, Louisville, and Paducah, KY.

Western Kentucky: Paducah NWS

Central Kentucky: Louisville NWS

Eastern Kentucky: Jackson NWS

Please, please, please take precautions for both your family and animals. I talked about this subject in the Ag Weather Update a couple days ago. Stay safe, Kentucky!