Warning: Winter Weather Conditions Expected to Affect Holiday Travel

With freezing cold temperatures and winter weather advisories being issued throughout Kentucky and Tennessee this week, our team at Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers wanted to provide some details about what to expect and to remind the people in our community of the dangers that accompany driving in these conditions.

Kentucky Weather Expectations

On Wednesday morning, Governor Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency in Kentucky in anticipation of the cold front that is supposed to strike Thursday night. Temperatures are expected to rapidly decline throughout the day on Thursday, decreasing to well-below freezing within 24 hours. Alongside the extremely cold temperatures, rain is expected most of the day Thursday and through the night, with potential of freezing rain in the early hours of Friday.

Expected Lows in Kentucky (Friday 12/23):

Louisville: -1 degrees

Lexington: -2 degrees

Bowling Green: 1 degrees

Tennessee Weather Expectations

Middle Tennessee is also expected to receive dangerously cold weather, with the possibility of a massive winter storm. A Wind Chill Warning will go into effect beginning Thursday night and will continue through Friday evening. Wind chills are expected to reach as low as -15 to -20 degrees on Friday morning. Rain turning into freezing rain is also expected in Nashville and surrounding areas beginning Thursday and through Friday morning. In anticipation of the storm, the Nashville Department of Transportation has been in preparation mode throughout the week to assist with travel planning over the Holiday.

Expected Lows in Tennessee (Friday 12/23):

Nashville: 4 degrees

Clarksville: 2 degrees

The Dangers of Driving

According to the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, over 1,300 people are fatally injured and more than 116,800 people are injured in car wrecks on roads covered in snow, ice, and/or slush each year. Additionally, nearly 900 people are fatally injured and 76,000 people are injured in car wrecks occurring during snowfall or sleet each year.

When ice, snow, asphalt and vehicles come in contact with one another, there are a few things that happen. First, the traction between your tires and the road is majorly reduced, which can cause your car to start sliding and result in you losing control of your vehicle. Second, and alongside the reduced traction, braking can be more difficult, taking much longer for the vehicle to come to a stop time and distance wise. Steep hills (going upwards and/or downwards), curvy roads, and simply stopping at a stop light all become exponentially more difficult when ice covers the roads.

How to Avoid an Auto Accident While Driving in Winter Weather Conditions

With winter weather conditions making driving very dangerous, there a few things you can do to prepare yourself and your vehicle before embarking on any travel plans this weekend:

• Check your tires and don’t overestimate them
• Don’t overcorrect if you start to slide
• Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you
• If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle
• Pack emergency supplies before traveling
• Avoid back roads

Hear about some additional tips below from Partner Lee Coleman on the Tony Rose Morning Show as to how to stay safe through the holidays.

Kentucky and Tennessee have both been spared winter weather conditions during the Christmas and New Years holiday period for the past few years. In 2021 alone, Kentucky’s temperature on Christmas was in the 70 degrees range and Tennessee’s was in the 60s.

The previous 12 months of weather have been uncharacteristically erratic in the south, and it seems a white, icy, and cold holiday is going to wrap up the year. We understand many people in our communities plan to travel this holiday season to visit with family and friends in celebration. Please remember to plan ahead and stay alert if you are going to be on the roadways this weekend through the end of the year. Temperatures are not expected to reach above freezing levels until Monday or Tuesday morning (December 26-27, 2022), which will potentially result in these hazardous conditions remaining until then.

We hope you don’t need us, but we are always here. If you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident over the holidays, do not hesitate to contact us. We are available 24/7 to take your call. 800-800-4600.

We help injured people and their families. Stay safe, and Merry Christmas!