Story by Alexis Schindler, Staff writer
Predicted snow caused several closures across western Kentucky.
On Nov. 14, students, faculty and staff received an email canceling all evening classes after 3 p.m. on Murray State’s campus and all regional campuses. All operations closed at 3:30 p.m.
The state is preparing for the oncoming weather by stocking up on salt supplies and readying their maintenance teams and plow trucks, as wintry weather is predicted to hit western Kentucky and temperatures drop.
“November is the launch of snow and ice season for the Cabinet, and our crews are prepared to respond to the effects winter weather can have on our roadways,” Greg Thomas, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet secretary, said.
The state lists certain roads as priority roads, meaning these roads are deemed as important to keeping traffic moving. The priority roads in Murray are highways 80, 94, 822, 1327, 1483,1497, 2075 and 2594, and state route 641.
“Our statewide teams strive to provide a uniform response to achieve safe driving conditions on Kentucky roadways while considering environmental and economic factors to most efficiently use state dollars,” Andy Barber, state highway engineer, said.
The state also has an emergency plan if the winter storms get too severe. The plan ensures any needed resources will be available to the public.
“Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and first aid kit,” a KYTC spokesperson wrote in a press release as a way to prepare for the winter weather.
The American Automobile Association recommends having your car inspected before winter weather hits. AAA also suggests to frequently check the tire pressure of your vehicle during winter months because the temperatures in the tires drop as air temperature decreases.
Another way to prepare ahead of the winter storm is to update the car’s emergency kit. According to AAA’s website, a winter weather emergency kit should include: a type of abrasive material, snow shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, ice scraper, window washer solvent, jumper cables, warning devices, non-perishable snacks, drinking water, extra clothes and first aid kit.
To ensure the safety of everyone on the roads during winter, the KYTC suggests checking weather reports ahead of time, paying close attention to black ice, driving slow and keeping your distance from snowplows.
Murray State class cancellation, delay or campus closure are announced through email, text message, Facebook and Twitter. If classes are cancelled, it will not be rescheduled for a later date. Classes will continue normally at the next scheduled time.
