Kentucky, 2009

Heavy Snow and Winter Weather in Kentucky, February 3 to 4, 2009

February 3 to 4, 2009 · NWS JKL · 73 events in 31 counties and zones

A low pressure system moved across Eastern Kentucky on February 3rd, bringing snow showers to the area. Winds shifted to the northwest as the low moved east of the area.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 73 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
73

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS JKL wrote it up.

A low pressure system moved across Eastern Kentucky on February 3rd, bringing snow showers to the area. Winds shifted to the northwest as the low moved east of the area. The northwest winds, combined with a moisture connection off Lake Michigan, resulted in additional snow showers late on February 3rd, continuing into the 4th. A widespread snowfall of 3 to 6 inches fell over much of the area, with locally higher amounts. Areas south of a line from Mount Vernon to Manchester saw lesser amounts of snow, with 1 to 3 inches reported.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Jackson, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 3, 2:59 AM EST, 31 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 3, 2:59 AM EST, 31 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
259 AM EST TUE FEB 3 2009

.SHORT TERM.../TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...UPDATED
THERE HAS BEEN A BIT OF BOUNCING BACK AND FORTH WITH THE TRACK OF THE
NEXT CLIPPER MOVING ACROSS EASTERN KENTUCKY. WENT WITH A BLEND OF THE
GFS AND NAM AND SPREAD SOME HIGHER POPS A BIT FURTHER SOUTH BASED OF
THE EXPECTED LOW TRACK ACROSS EASTERN KENTUCKY. THE MODEL PRECIP
OUTPUT IS A BIT SUSPECT TO ME...SO INSTEAD...BASED THE QPF AND SNOW
AMOUNT FORECAST ON THE LOW TRACK. WILL KEEP THE WARNING IN EFFECT.
WAS TEMPTED TO DROP THE AREA WEST OF I 75 CORRIDOR...HOWEVER A
COMBINATION OF THE WIND AND LIGHT SNOW...SHOULD CREATE A SIGNIFICANT
THREAT TO THE AREA. THE MODELS ARE SHOWING THAT THE HIGHEST QPF WOULD
BE ALONG THE WV BORDER. THE PRECIP ON WEDNESDAY IS GOING TO BE VERY
DEPENDENT ON WIND DIRECTION...AS THE CURRENT GFS IS SHOWING A NICE
SWATH OF LAKE MICHIGAN MOISTURE...TEAMING UP WITH SOME UPSLOPE FLOW TO
BRING SOME WIDESPREAD SNOW TO THE AREA. SINCE THE AIR MASS IS
FAIRLY DRY...THIS SHOULD THROTTLE THE EXPECTED SNOWFALL. FOR
TEMPS...DID A MOS BLEND...GENERALLY STAYING WITH THE COLDEST MOS...DUE
TO THE EXPECTED SNOW COVER.

.LONG TERM.../TUESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/

THE OVERALL TREND FOR HIGH TEMPERATURES THROUGHOUT THE EXTENDED
PERIOD WAS SLIGHTLY WARMER SO INCREASED HIGHS BY A DEGREE OR TWO
ACROSS THE BOARD. OVERNIGHT LOWS WERE ALREADY IN GOOD SHAPE SO ONLY
SLIGHT TWEAKS WERE NECESSARY THERE AS WELL. BOTH THE GFS AND ECMWF
MODELS BRING A WEAK AND INDISTINCT FRONT BOUNDARY SOUTHWARD ACROSS
KENTUCKY SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT. THE BOUNDARY THEN APPEARS TO
STALL OUT AND WEAKEN EVEN MORE BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. WITH THE
BOUNDARY LINGERING OVER THE AREA AND WITH AMPLE LOW LEVEL MOISTURE
MOVING NORTHWARD OUT OF THE GULF...ANTICIPATE THAT SCATTERED SHOWERS
WILL FORM ALONG THE FRONT SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING. THE
BOUNDARY WILL THEN MOVE NORTHWARD AS A WARM FRONT...WITH ISOLATED
SHOWERS FORMING ALONG AND AHEAD OF IT. ANOTHER MUCH STRONGER LOOKING
AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WILL THEN MOVE OUT OF THE CENTRAL PLAINS MONDAY
AND MONDAY NIGHT. BOTH THE GFS AND ECMWF ARE DEPICTING A LARGE AREA
OF PRECIPITATION WITH THIS SYSTEM. THE ONLY ISSUE HERE IS THE STARK
TIMING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MODELS. CONSIDERING IT IS STILL
WINTER...THE FASTER GFS SOLUTION IS PREFERRED HERE. WENT WITH A
SLOWER TIMING OF PRECIP ONSET FOR MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY...WITH
JUST A CHANCE OF RAIN AS A COLD FRONT MOVES ACROSS THE OHIO VALLEY.
TEMPERATURES WILL BE MORE THAN WARM ENOUGH FOR PRECIP TO FALL IN THE
FORM OF ONLY RAIN WITH NEXT WEEKS SYSTEM.

&&

.AVIATION.../06Z TO 06Z/

SOME LOCALIZED VALLEY FOG TO DEVELOPED SOUTHEAST OF A LINE FROM
PAINTSVILLE TO LONDON. WITH DRIER AIR MOVING IN TONIGHT...ANY ISSUES
WITH VALLEY FOG SHOULD BE FAIRLY SHORT LIVED. ANOTHER WEATHER SYSTEM
WILL ARRIVE ON TUESDAY. A CEILING GENERALLY FROM 4-8K FEET IS
EXPECTED TO MOVE IN FROM THE WEST AROUND 12Z...WITH CEILINGS THEN
FALLING TO IFR BY 18Z. SNOW SHOWERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY
IN THE AFTERNOON. THEY WILL BE MOST PROMINENT IN A CORRIDOR FROM
MOUNT STERLING AND FLEMINGSBURG EAST TOWARD PAINTSVILLE...AND LESS
CONCENTRATED SOUTHWEST TOWARD SOMERSET AND LONDON.

&&

.JKL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY FOR KYZ044-050>052-058>060-068-069-079-080-083>088-104-
106>120.

&&

SHORT TERM...JJ
LONG TERM...AR
AVIATION...JJ
Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 2, 10:13 PM EST, 5 hours 17 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
1013 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

KYZ044-050>052-058>060-069-104-106-108-111-114-031200-
FLEMING-MONTGOMERY-BATH-ROWAN-ESTILL-POWELL-MENIFEE-JACKSON-ELLIOTT-
MORGAN-WOLFE-LEE-OWSLEY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FLEMINGSBURG...MOUNT STERLING...
OWINGSVILLE...MOREHEAD...IRVINE...STANTON...FRENCHBURG...MCKEE...
SANDY HOOK...WEST LIBERTY...CAMPTON...BEATTYVILLE...BOONEVILLE
1013 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TUESDAY TO 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

FREEZING FOG WILL AFFECT PORTIONS OF THE OUTLOOK AREA THROUGH THE
OVERNIGHT PERIOD...REDUCING VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE
AT TIMES...AND LEADING TO THE FORMATION OF BLACK ICE IN SPOTS.
DRIVERS ARE URGED TO USE EXTRA CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING TONIGHT.

SCATTERED LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY TOWARDS DAWN.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

SNOW SHOWERS AND BRISK WEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA
STARTING TUESDAY AND LASTING INTO THE NIGHT. BETWEEN ONE AND THREE
INCHES OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE SNOW COULD
COME DOWN HEAVY AT TIMES TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING ALONG WITH
BLUSTERY WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH AND GUSTS TO 35 MPH.
WIND CHILLS TUESDAY NIGHT WILL BE DOWN TOWARD ZERO DEGREES OR IN THE
LOW SINGLE DIGITS BELOW ZERO.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSON.

KYZ068-079-080-083>085-031200-
ROCKCASTLE-PULASKI-LAUREL-WAYNE-MCCREARY-WHITLEY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MOUNT VERNON...SOMERSET...LONDON...
MONTICELLO...WHITLEY CITY...CORBIN...WILLIAMSBURG
1013 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TUESDAY TO 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

FREEZING FOG WILL AFFECT PORTIONS OF THE OUTLOOK AREA THROUGH THE
OVERNIGHT PERIOD...REDUCING VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER
MILE AT TIMES...AND LEADING TO THE FORMATION OF BLACK ICE IN SPOTS.
DRIVERS ARE URGED TO USE EXTRA CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING TONIGHT.

ISOLATED LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY TOWARDS DAWN.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

SNOW SHOWERS AND BRISK WEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA
STARTING TUESDAY AND LASTING INTO THE NIGHT. BETWEEN ONE AND TWO
INCHES OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE SNOW
COULD COME DOWN HEAVY AT TIMES TUESDAY EVENING ALONG WITH BLUSTERY
WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH AND GUSTS TO 35 MPH. WIND
CHILLS TUESDAY NIGHT WILL BE DOWN TOWARD ZERO DEGREES OR THE LOW
SINGLE DIGITS BELOW ZERO.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSON.

KYZ086-087-107-109-110-112-113-115>117-119-031200-
KNOX-BELL-JOHNSON-MAGOFFIN-FLOYD-BREATHITT-KNOTT-PERRY-CLAY-LESLIE-
MARTIN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...BARBOURVILLE...MIDDLESBORO...PINEVILLE...
PAINTSVILLE...SALYERSVILLE...PRESTONSBURG...JACKSON...HINDMAN...
HAZARD...MANCHESTER...HYDEN...INEZ
1013 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TUESDAY TO 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

FREEZING FOG WILL AFFECT PORTIONS OF THE OUTLOOK AREA THROUGH THE
OVERNIGHT PERIOD...REDUCING VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER
MILE AT TIMES...AND LEADING TO THE FORMATION OF BLACK ICE IN SPOTS.
DRIVERS ARE URGED TO USE EXTRA CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING TONIGHT.

ISOLATED LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY TOWARDS DAWN.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

SNOW SHOWERS AND BRISK WEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA
STARTING TUESDAY AND LASTING INTO THE NIGHT. BETWEEN TWO AND THREE
INCHES OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE SNOW COULD
COME DOWN HEAVY AT TIMES TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING ALONG WITH
BLUSTERY WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH AND GUSTS TO 35 MPH.
WIND CHILLS TUESDAY NIGHT WILL BE DOWN TOWARD ZERO DEGREES OR IN THE
LOW SINGLE DIGITS BELOW ZERO.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSON.

KYZ088-118-120-031200-
HARLAN-LETCHER-PIKE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...HARLAN...WHITESBURG...PIKEVILLE
1013 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TUESDAY TO 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

FREEZING FOG WILL AFFECT PORTIONS OF THE OUTLOOK AREA THROUGH THE
OVERNIGHT PERIOD...REDUCING VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER
MILE AT TIMES...AND LEADING TO THE FORMATION OF BLACK ICE IN SPOTS.
DRIVERS ARE URGED TO USE EXTRA CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING TONIGHT.

ISOLATED LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY TOWARDS DAWN.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

SNOW SHOWERS AND BRISK WEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA
STARTING TUESDAY AND LASTING INTO THE NIGHT. BETWEEN TWO AND FOUR
INCHES OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. ISOLATED
AMOUNTS AS HIGH AS SIX INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE ON THE HIGHEST PEAKS
NEAR THE VIRGINA BORDER. THE SNOW COULD COME DOWN HEAVY AT TIMES
TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING ALONG WITH BLUSTERY WEST TO NORTHWEST
WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH AND GUSTS TO 35 MPH. WIND CHILLS TUESDAY NIGHT
WILL BE DOWN TOWARD ZERO DEGREES OR IN THE LOW SINGLE DIGITS BELOW
ZERO.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSON.

SCHOETTMER/GREIF/RAY

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Feb 2, 10:01 PM EST, 5 hours 29 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
1001 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

KYZ052-060-069-080-086>088-104-106>120-031100-
ROWAN-MENIFEE-JACKSON-LAUREL-KNOX-BELL-HARLAN-ELLIOTT-MORGAN-JOHNSON-
WOLFE-MAGOFFIN-FLOYD-LEE-BREATHITT-KNOTT-OWSLEY-PERRY-CLAY-LESLIE-
LETCHER-MARTIN-PIKE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MOREHEAD...FRENCHBURG...MCKEE...LONDON...
BARBOURVILLE...MIDDLESBORO...PINEVILLE...HARLAN...SANDY HOOK...
WEST LIBERTY...PAINTSVILLE...CAMPTON...SALYERSVILLE...PRESTONSBURG...
BEATTYVILLE...JACKSON...HINDMAN...BOONEVILLE...HAZARD...MANCHESTER...
HYDEN...WHITESBURG...INEZ...PIKEVILLE
1001 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

...FREEZING FOG AFFECTING PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY...

CLEARING SKIES IN COMBINATION WITH ABUNDANT MOISTURE NEAR THE
SURFACE...AND TEMPERATURES BELOW THE FREEZING MARK IS LEADING TO THE
FORMATION OF FREEZING FOG ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE EASTERN KENTUCKY.
THE FOG WILL BE DENSE IN SOME AREAS...REDUCING VISIBILITIES TO LESS
THAN A QUARTER OF A MILE AT TIMES. IN ADDITION...ROAD SURFACES WILL
LIKELY BECOME SLICK IN A FEW SPOTS DUE TO BLACK ICE. BE AWARE THAT
BLACK ICE CAN FORM AND MAKE THE ROAD SURFACE APPEAR WET INSTEAD OF
ICY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION...VISIT OUR INTERNET WEB SITE AT
WEATHER.GOV/JACKSONKY.

RAY

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

49 winter weather, 24 heavy snow. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Weather, Whitley

When
February 3, 3:30 AM EST to February 4, 5:30 AM EST
Where
Whitley forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
36.758, -84.145 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One inch of snow reported on the ground in Williamsburg.

Winter Weather, Wolfe

When
February 3, 12:30 PM EST to February 4, 6:30 AM EST
Where
Wolfe forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.739, -83.493 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The public reported that 5.5 inches of total snowfall had occurred 5 miles northwest of Frozen Creek. Three and four tenths of an inch of the snow had accumulated since Tuesday afternoon.

Winter Weather, Rowan

When
February 3, 1:20 PM EST to 4:20 PM EST
Where
Rowan forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.196, -83.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The media relayed a report of one and a half inches of new snowfall in Morehead.

Winter Weather, Harlan

When
February 3, 2:10 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where
Harlan forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
36.857, -83.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained spotter reported that 3 inches of snow had fallen in Harlan.

Winter Weather, Floyd

When
February 3, 2:40 PM EST to 10:40 PM EST
Where
Floyd forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.557, -82.746 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Floyd County Dept of Highways estimated that 2 to 4 inches of snow had fallen since Tuesday afternoon.

Winter Weather, Letcher

When
February 3, 2:50 PM EST to 4:50 PM EST
Where
Letcher forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.121, -82.855 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A volunteer weather observer reported one inch of snow had fallen 2 miles southeast of Whitesburg.

Heavy Snow, Floyd

When
February 3, 2:50 PM EST to February 4, 12:50 AM EST
Where
Floyd forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.557, -82.746 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four inches of snow fell in Wheelwright.

Winter Weather, Perry

When
February 3, 2:58 PM EST to 4:58 PM EST
Where
Perry forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A volunteer weather observer reported 1.1 inches of snow had fallen in Hazard.

Winter Weather, Morgan

When
February 3, 2:58 PM EST to 4:58 PM EST
Where
Morgan forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.922, -83.259 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A volunteer weather observer reported that one and a half inches of snow fell 3 miles northwest of West Liberty.

Winter Weather, Harlan

When
February 3, 3:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:20 AM EST
Where
Harlan forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
36.857, -83.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways estimated that 1 to 2 inches of snow had fallen in Harlan since yesterday afternoon.

Heavy Snow, Fleming

When
February 3, 3:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:28 AM EST
Where
Fleming forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
38.370, -83.697 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Dispatch measured 4.75 inches of new snow outside the dispatch office.

Winter Weather, Powell

When
February 3, 3:00 PM EST to February 4, 9:00 PM EST
Where
Powell forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.831, -83.824 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Dispatch reported that 4 inches of new snow had fallen since yesterday afternoon, with 6 inches of total snow depth.

Winter Weather, McCreary

When
February 3, 3:30 PM EST to February 4, 5:30 AM EST
Where
McCreary forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
36.737, -84.484 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three inches of snow reported on the ground in Whitley City.

Heavy Snow, Harlan

When
February 3, 3:45 PM EST to 9:45 PM EST
Where
Harlan forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
36.857, -83.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Six inches of snow fell at the Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Winter Weather, Breathitt

When
February 3, 3:45 PM EST to 4:15 PM EST
Where
Breathitt forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow fell in approximately 30 minutes from a heavy snow shower. Visibility down to 1/8th of a mile at times with blowing snow. Three inches of snow now on the ground.

Heavy Snow, Elliott

When
February 3, 3:55 PM EST to February 4, 5:55 AM EST
Where
Elliott forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
38.118, -83.098 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Dept of Highways reported that 5 inches of snow had fallen since yesterday afternoon.

Winter Weather, Knox

When
February 3, 3:55 PM EST to February 4, 7:55 AM EST
Where
Knox forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
36.891, -83.854 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Law enforcement estimated that 3 to 4 inches of snow had fallen since yesterday afternoon in Barbourville.

Winter Weather, Pike

When
February 3, 4:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where
Pike forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four inches of snow fell on the higher ridge tops along Highways 194 and 460 1 mile southwest of Phyllis. Two to two and a half inches of snow fell in the valleys.

Heavy Snow, Bell

When
February 3, 4:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where
Bell forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
36.731, -83.674 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Six inches of snow fell on Fonde and Red Bird mountains 4 miles northeast of Fonde. Two to three inches of snow fell at the lower elevations around the county.

Winter Weather, Powell

When
February 3, 4:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:30 AM EST
Where
Powell forecast zone
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.831, -83.824 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A weather service employee measured 3.1 inches of snow in Stanton this morning.

Winter Weather, Estill

When
February 3, 4:00 PM EST to February 4, 7:20 AM EST
Where
Estill forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.693, -83.964 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The snow depth at 7am was 4-5 inches. Two inches of new snow fell in Irvine during the overnight hours.

Winter Weather, Rockcastle

When
February 3, 4:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:00 AM EST
Where
Rockcastle forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.365, -84.316 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow fell in Mount Vernon.

Winter Weather, Owsley

When
February 3, 4:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:00 AM EST
Where
Owsley forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.419, -83.683 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow measured on the ground in Island City.

Heavy Snow, Menifee

When
February 3, 4:00 PM EST to February 4, 7:12 AM EST
Where
Menifee forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.941, -83.599 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways estimated that 5.5 to 6 inches of snow had fallen in Frenchburg since yesterday afternoon.

Heavy Snow, Martin

When
February 3, 4:05 PM EST to February 4, 5:05 AM EST
Where
Martin forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.802, -82.513 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Six and a half inches of snow fell between 4 pm on February 3rd and 4:10 am on February 4th.

Heavy Snow, Wolfe

When
February 3, 4:12 PM EST to February 4, 6:12 AM EST
Where
Wolfe forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.739, -83.493 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways estimated that 6 to 7 inches of snow had fallen since yesterday afternoon.

Winter Weather, Pike

When
February 3, 4:15 PM EST to February 4, 9:14 AM EST
Where
Pike forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained spotter measured a snowfall of 2.1 inches in Coal Run. Snow fell over a 14-16 hour period.

Winter Weather, Powell

When
February 3, 4:15 PM EST to February 4, 5:15 AM EST
Where
Powell forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.831, -83.824 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained spotter measured 3.5 inches of snow on the ground 6 miles west southwest of Stanton with light snow stil falling.

Heavy Snow, Breathitt

When
February 3, 4:15 PM EST to February 4, 6:15 AM EST
Where
Breathitt forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways estimated that 4 to 7 inches of snow had fallen county wide since yesterday afternoon.

Winter Weather, Montgomery

When
February 3, 4:20 PM EST to February 4, 6:20 AM EST
Where
Montgomery forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
38.034, -83.913 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Montgomery County Dept of Highways estimated an average snowfall of 4 to 5 inches countywide.

Heavy Snow, Perry

When
February 3, 4:20 PM EST to February 4, 6:20 AM EST
Where
Perry forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Dispatch reported that 6 inches of snow had fallen since yesterday afternoon.

Heavy Snow, Bath

When
February 3, 4:25 PM EST to February 4, 6:30 AM EST
Where
Bath forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
38.145, -83.743 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Bath County Dept of Highways estimated an average countywide snowfall of 6 inches.

Winter Weather, Martin

When
February 3, 4:30 PM EST to February 4, 12:50 AM EST
Where
Martin forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.802, -82.513 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow fell in Inez.

Winter Weather, Perry

When
February 3, 4:30 PM EST to February 4, 7:08 AM EST
Where
Perry forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained weather spotter reported that 4 inches of snow had fallen 4 miles south of Ned since yesterday afternoon.

Winter Weather, Owsley

When
February 3, 4:30 PM EST to February 4, 6:30 AM EST
Where
Owsley forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.419, -83.683 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained storm spotter measured 4.4 inches of storm total snow that had fallen over a 14 hour period 6 miles south of Beattyville.

Heavy Snow, Leslie

When
February 3, 4:30 PM EST to February 4, 7:30 AM EST
Where
Leslie forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.094, -83.381 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Leslie County law enforcement estimated 6 inches of snow had fallen in Cutshin since yesterday afternoon. A county wide range of 3 to 6 inches was also reported.

Heavy Snow, Pike

When
February 3, 4:50 PM EST to February 4, 6:10 AM EST
Where
Pike forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained spotter measured a 4 hour snowfall of 4 inches in Belfrey. The report was relayed by Pike County emergency management.

Winter Weather, Breathitt

When
February 3, 4:52 PM EST to 5:52 PM EST
Where
Breathitt forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained weather spotter reported that 2 inches of snow had fallen in Moct.

Heavy Snow, Harlan

When
February 3, 5:00 PM EST to February 4, 5:00 AM EST
Where
Harlan forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
36.857, -83.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Harlan County Dept of Highways reported that 8 to 10 inches of snow had accumulated on Pine Mountain and that an countywide average of 4 inche of snow had occurred countywide.

Heavy Snow, Leslie

When
February 3, 5:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:00 AM EST
Where
Leslie forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.094, -83.381 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Knott County dispatch reported that 5 inches of snow had fallen in Hyden, with 4 to 5 inches accumulating countywide.

Winter Weather, Morgan

When
February 3, 5:30 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where
Morgan forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.922, -83.259 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and a half inches of snow fell in about an hour in Relief.

Winter Weather, Wolfe

When
February 3, 5:40 PM EST to 7:40 PM EST
Where
Wolfe forecast zone
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.739, -83.493 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One inches of snow fell 1 mile east southeast of Flat.

Heavy Snow, Martin

When
February 3, 5:45 PM EST to February 4, 7:45 AM EST
Where
Martin forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.802, -82.513 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Martin County Dept of Highways estimated 4 to 6 inches of snow countywide since Tuesday afternoon.

Heavy Snow, Pike

When
February 3, 6:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:00 AM EST
Where
Pike forecast zone
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Big Creek Fire Dept reported that 5 inches of snow had fallen at the station since Tuesday afternoon. Eight inches of snow was reported to have fallen at Canada Knob at an elevation of 1900 feet. The report was relayed by the Pike County emergency management.

Heavy Snow, Morgan

When
February 3, 6:01 PM EST to February 4, 6:01 AM EST
Where
Morgan forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.922, -83.259 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways estimated that 3 to 4 inches of snow had fallen since yesterday afternoon.

Heavy Snow, Letcher

When
February 3, 6:10 PM EST to February 4, 6:10 AM EST
Where
Letcher forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.121, -82.855 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four inches of snow fell at Pound Gap and other ridges, ranging down to an inch in Whitesburg.

Winter Weather, Breathitt

When
February 3, 6:30 PM EST to February 4, 7:30 AM EST
Where
Breathitt forecast zone
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An NWS employee measured a 15 hour snowfall of 2.9 inches 2 miles east southeast of Talbert.

Winter Weather, Bell

When
February 3, 6:30 PM EST to February 4, 8:30 AM EST
Where
Bell forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
36.731, -83.674 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Bell County Dept of Highways estimated 2 to 3 inches of snow in the valleys and 5 to 6 inches on ridgetops around the county.

Heavy Snow, Letcher

When
February 3, 6:30 PM EST to February 4, 6:30 AM EST
Where
Letcher forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.121, -82.855 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A volunteer weather observer measure 4 inches of snow on the ground in Mayking.

Winter Weather, Harlan

When
February 3, 6:45 PM EST to 9:45 PM EST
Where
Harlan forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
36.857, -83.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow fell in Harlan.

Winter Weather, Pike

When
February 3, 6:50 PM EST to 7:15 PM EST
Where
Pike forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and a quarter inches of snow fell in 25 minutes 2 miles south southeast of McAndrews.

Winter Weather, Breathitt

When
February 3, 6:55 PM EST to February 4, 12:55 AM EST
Where
Breathitt forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four inches of snow was on the ground at the Jackson weather office. Two inches of this fell between 3:45 pm and 4:15 pm on February 3.

Winter Weather, Johnson

When
February 3, 7:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where
Johnson forecast zone
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
37.847, -82.831 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and a half inches of snow fell in Paintsville.

Winter Weather, Powell

When
February 3, 7:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where
Powell forecast zone
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.831, -83.824 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and four tenths of an inch of snow fell in Stanton.

Winter Weather, Wolfe

When
February 3, 7:00 PM EST to February 4, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Wolfe forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.739, -83.493 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Around 3 inches of snow had fallen around the county as of 1 am.

Heavy Snow, Magoffin

When
February 3, 7:03 PM EST to February 4, 6:03 AM EST
Where
Magoffin forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.707, -83.065 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways reported that 4-5 inches of snow had fallen overnight in Salyersville.

Winter Weather, Perry

When
February 3, 7:15 PM EST to February 4, 12:15 AM EST
Where
Perry forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two to three inches of snow fell across Perry county according to the State Highway Garage.

Winter Weather, Leslie

When
February 3, 7:15 PM EST to February 4, 12:15 AM EST
Where
Leslie forecast zone
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
37.094, -83.381 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three inches of snow fell in Hyden.

Winter Weather, Rockcastle

When
February 3, 7:42 PM EST to 9:42 PM EST
Where
Rockcastle forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.365, -84.316 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An inch of snow fell in Mount Vernon.

Winter Weather, Johnson

When
February 3, 7:50 PM EST to February 4, 12:50 AM EST
Where
Johnson forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.847, -82.831 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two and a half inches of snow fell in Paintsville.

Winter Weather, Martin

When
February 3, 7:50 PM EST to February 4, 12:50 AM EST
Where
Martin forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.802, -82.513 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow fell in Inez.

Winter Weather, Morgan

When
February 3, 8:15 PM EST to February 4, 1:15 AM EST
Where
Morgan forecast zone
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.922, -83.259 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three inches of snow fell 3 miles northwest of West Liberty.

Heavy Snow, Fleming

When
February 3, 8:16 PM EST to February 4, 8:05 AM EST
Where
Fleming forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
38.370, -83.697 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Law enforcement estimated that 7 inches of snow had fallen 4 miles south of Muses Mills since noon on Tuesday.

Heavy Snow, Rowan

When
February 3, 8:40 PM EST to February 4, 6:40 AM EST
Where
Rowan forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.196, -83.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The public reported that 5.8 inches of new snow had fallen overnight 6 miles northeast of Morehead, with a total of 8 inches on the ground.

Winter Weather, Knott

When
February 3, 9:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:18 AM EST
Where
Knott forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.354, -82.954 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways estimated that 3 inches of snow had fallen overnight in Hindman.

Winter Weather, Owsley

When
February 3, 10:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:00 AM EST
Where
Owsley forecast zone
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.419, -83.683 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow fell overnight 5 miles east of Booneville.

Winter Weather, Rowan

When
February 3, 10:00 PM EST to February 4, 6:31 AM EST
Where
Rowan forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
38.196, -83.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways reported 3 inches of new snow had fallen overnight.

Winter Weather, Wolfe

When
February 3, 10:06 PM EST to February 4, 12:06 AM EST
Where
Wolfe forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.739, -83.493 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow fell in Campton.

Winter Weather, Jackson

When
February 3, 10:40 PM EST to February 4, 6:40 AM EST
Where
Jackson forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.420, -84.006 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three inches of snow fell in McKee.

Winter Weather, Pulaski

When
February 3, 10:42 PM EST to February 4, 5:42 AM EST
Where
Pulaski forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.104, -84.577 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One inch of snow was reported on the ground in Somerset.

Winter Weather, Wayne

When
February 3, 10:43 PM EST to February 4, 5:43 AM EST
Where
Wayne forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
36.801, -84.829 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One inch of snow was reported on the ground in Monticello.

Heavy Snow, Johnson

When
February 4, 12:00 AM EST to 6:00 AM EST
Where
Johnson forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.847, -82.831 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A worker at the Dept of Highways estimated that 3 to 4.5 inches of snow had fallne countywide overnight.

Winter Weather, Clay

When
February 4, 4:54 AM EST to 7:54 AM EST
Where
Clay forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.160, -83.715 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One inch of snow accumulated in Manchester. Three to four inches of snow had accumulated on the surrounding ridgetops.

What these are

Winter Weather
Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
Heavy Snow
Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Kentucky in 2009Every state in 2009This day in weather historyWarnings in Kentucky, February 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 150545, 152727, 150334, 150333, 152732, 150336, 150478, 150337, 150338, 150512, 150515, 150531, 150544, 150349, 150533, 150489, 152717, 150351, 150352, 150522, 150538, 150539, 150543, 156393, 150488, 156395, 152719, 152775, 156405, 152776, 156406, 152777, 150536, 150537, 152725, 156412, 152740, 150341, 152742, 152749, and more.