North Kentucky News

City Hall in Covington, Kentucky, will remain closed on Monday due to a winter storm affecting the area. Residents of Kenton County are advised to limit travel to essential purposes only as snow continues to accumulate.

Ken Smith, Covington City Manager, emphasized the need for residents to stay off the streets. "The storm is going to cause some problems and inconvenience for a while," he said. "We urge residents to stay off the streets not only for their own safety but to give our dedicated 'Snow and Ice Team' the time and room to treat our streets."

Kenton County has escalated its snow emergency status from Level 1 to Level 2. This level indicates hazardous road conditions with blowing or drifting snow and potential ice formation. The county advises that only necessary travel should be undertaken during this period.

Smith also mentioned that City Hall might reopen on Tuesday depending on weather developments and road conditions. Essential travel includes medical emergencies, obtaining food or water, work obligations when required, and acquiring heating supplies.

The Public Works Department has been actively preparing for the storm by pre-treating roads with salt brine and equipping vehicles with plows and salt spinners. Brad Schwenke, Parks & Facilities Division Supervisor, stated that crews are working continuously in shifts to manage snow removal effectively. "Looking at the snow pile-up and what is forecast...the crews are out there plowing and salting on a steady basis," Schwenke noted.

At any given time, 16 or 17 trucks are deployed for plowing operations in Covington, doubling when shifts overlap. Crews have encountered challenges such as assisting emergency vehicles like fire trucks navigate snowy routes.

Mayor Ron Washington joined a Public Works crew member during their shift and observed their commitment firsthand. He encouraged drivers to exercise caution if they must be on the roads: "I encourage drivers to stay off the road...to give plows a wide berth and show patience."

Residents can assist by avoiding shoveling snow into streets, parking in driveways when possible, steering clear of intersections or hills when parking on narrow streets, and maintaining distance from plow trucks.