The City of Paducah is preparing for the region’s first major winter storm of 2026, expected to arrive Friday night into Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from late Friday night through Sunday morning, forecasting a possible 7 to 13 inches of snow, with high confidence that the Paducah area will receive at least 6 inches. Heavy snowfall is expected to impact travel and city services. In addition, the region will experience a prolonged period of cold temperatures, with wind chills below zero and daytime highs below freezing through the weekend and into next week.
Public Works Department
Public Works crews are spending today and tomorrow spreading brine on primary and secondary routes, intersections, and bridges. Once those areas are covered, crews will apply brine to neighborhood roadways. Brine dries to a fine salt powder which helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Crews also are preparing snow plows to begin operations this weekend.
“For your safety and to allow crews and emergency personnel to work efficiently, please give plenty of space to salt trucks and snow plows,” said Public Works Director Chris Yarber. “If travel is necessary, carry blankets, water, food, a charged cellphone, and sand or kitty litter for traction.”
Learn more about the Public Works Department’s proactive process during winter weather at Snow Priority Routes.
Parks and Recreation Department
Once winter precipitation begins, expect City of Paducah parks and facilities, including the Paducah Recreation Center, to close. Noble Park and Oak Grove Cemetery will remain closed until the storm system passes and until Parks and Recreation crews clear the roadways and assess any damage. Restroom facilities will also close.
Paducah Fire Department
Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Greg Cherry urges residents to prepare now for the snowfall and for the extended cold. “Plan for your pets, check on neighbors, and make sure you have enough supplies, food, and water,” Cherry said.
Cherry also reminds residents to heat homes safely:
- Keep a three-foot safety zone around fireplaces, space heaters, and other heat sources.
- Keep flammable items—like bedding, curtains, and clothing—away from heat.
- Never place a space heater in a child’s room.
The Paducah Fire Department encourages everyone to have a fire escape plan, working smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors if using gas heat.
For those living in apartment buildings, know where the exits are located. Also, be aware of items that may be needed in case of an emergency. Keep a telephone, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and aids such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, nearby.
Building owners are asked to keep the heat on in any areas with fire sprinkler systems to prevent pipes from freezing.
Additional Heating Safety Tips
- Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet—never use extension cords or power strips.
- Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
- Use heaters with automatic shut-off features.
- Never use an oven or stovetop for heat.
- Have chimneys and heating equipment cleaned and inspected annually.
- Use a screen in front of fireplaces and store ashes in a metal container away from the home.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths, with portable space heaters responsible for most fatalities.
For the latest on this winter storm, please stay tuned to local media, the National Weather Service Paducah Office, or your favorite news source for weather updates.
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