March Madness? We love it! Snow Madness? Not so much.
Like it or not, here it comes, and the City is ready, Mayor Linda Gorton said.
“Both salt barns are full, our road crews are ready to hit the streets, and public safety will stand by to help those who need it,” Gorton said. “Avoid travel if you can late tonight and tomorrow, and be aware of bitter cold temperatures tonight and Saturday.”
Spring is coming, Gorton said.
“The daffodils and some trees are already blooming. Spring will be here soon.”
Gorton called together representatives of city departments to discuss their weather plans:
DIVISION OF STREETS AND ROADS
Streets and Roads crews will be on duty this afternoon to cover any calls concerning slick hills, bridges and overpasses. Starting at 8 p.m., and continuing through tonight, crews will be treating roads. With the Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena and NCAA Division III competition at Transylvania, special attention will be given to downtown areas said Rob Allen, Director of the Division of Streets and Roads.
In addition to Streets and Roads crews, contractors will supplement city staff from Environmental Services, Parks & Recreation, Waste Management, Water Quality and Code Enforcement.
LEXINGTON POLICE
Lexington Division of Police also plans to have extra personnel downtown. “We ask those who are heading to the games to take their time and pay close attention to officers’ directions and pedestrians,” Sgt. Guy Miller said.
The Police Traffic Section is ready to go, with specialty vehicles and equipment designed to respond to weather conditions.
LEXINGTON FIRE
The Fire Department is fully staffed and available for immediate response to emergencies. “The cold temperatures that are forecast will create icy conditions that will lead to increased slip and falls,” said Fire Chief Jason Wells, urging residents to use caution.
OFFICE OF HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
The Office of Homelessness has activated the emergency weather response plan until Sunday morning. All emergency shelters will be expanding space and accommodating those who may have been restricted in the past. Street outreach teams are working in the community today and tonight to provide transportation and warnings about the forecast. If anyone sees someone in need, please call the Lexington Police Department at 859-258-3600.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
E-waste offices will be closed on Saturday. Downtown collection will continue as usual.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Woodcock Walk is canceled tonight at Raven Run.
