Metro Lex News

Lexington, Kentucky - In light of the severe winter weather and bitter cold temperatures, waste collection in the city has been canceled for Friday, January 19th. This decision was made to ensure the safety of both residents and collection crews.

Mayor Linda Gorton emphasized the importance of caution on the roads, stating, "Our crews and employees are hard at work, taking all precautions to keep our residents safe and warm." She urged motorists to drive carefully as the snow continues to fall and road conditions remain hazardous.

With the forecast predicting more winter weather and freezing temperatures throughout the weekend, Mayor Gorton encouraged residents to check on their neighbors, particularly the elderly, and to take measures to protect their pets from the bitter cold. She also advised limiting time spent outdoors.

City crews have been diligently treating and monitoring roads to ensure safe travel. Priority roads were pretreated with a mixture of salt brine and Beet Heet to prevent icing. Despite the snow falling multiple times overnight, both salt and Beet Heet have been effective in keeping roads clear. However, lower-priority roads may not receive immediate attention due to the need to prioritize higher-priority routes.

Sidewalk crews are focusing their efforts on downtown areas in preparation for the upcoming University of Kentucky men's basketball game on Saturday.

Lexington Police responded to several collisions and calls for motorist assistance this morning. They urge residents to stay informed about road conditions by checking the weather forecast and live traffic cameras. Residents in need of non-emergency assistance can contact Lexington Police's non-emergency number at (859) 258-3600.

Fire Chief Jason Wells advised residents to allow water faucets to drip in order to prevent freezing pipes during the prolonged cold spell.

In addition to waste collection being canceled, other city services have also been affected. The Lexington Senior Center remains open, but instructor-led activities and classes have been canceled for the day. The Office of Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Emergency Weather Plan is still in effect and will be updated as necessary. Parks & Recreation has canceled several events scheduled for Saturday, January 20th, including Explore More Outdoors at Jacobson Park and the Owl Prowl at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary.

As the city continues to face these challenging weather conditions, it is important for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.