A complex winter storm lifted across the Southeast US on January 16th, initially spreading a mix of light snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the eastern Kentucky during the morning hours. A nose of warm air changed the precipitation over to mainly rain and freezing rain by late morning and early afternoon. Eventually colder air filtered in aloft and eroded the warm nose enough to allow the precipitation to switch back over to snow. As this occurred, most of the precipitation became confined to a narrow but intense band of snow along the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau. The heavy snow led to thousands of power outages from McCreary and Whitley Counties, northward into Menifee County. As the evening wore on, the snow slowly shifted east and split up into multiple weaker bands. Most of the eastern Kentucky saw a warning-criteria snowfall with the exception of portions of Knott and Perry counties.

Heavy Snow in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 17:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 05:50:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After mixed precipitation for much of the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the evening into the morning hours of the 17th. The highway department estimated 2.5 inches at Shelbiana, 3 inches at Phelps and 3 miles west of Coleman, 3.5 inches at Canada, and 3 to 4 inches atop Big Creek and Johns Creek mountains. A social media report of 3.0 inches was received from Turkey Creek at 6:00 AM.

Heavy Snow in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 09:45:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:15:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A social media report showed 4.0 inches measured in Polksville at 855 PM on the 16th. Another social media report showed 6.5 inches of snowfall thus far at 900 PM a mile west of Owingsville.

Heavy Snow in FLEMING, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 10:15:00 to 17-JAN-22 01:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The department of highways reported approximately 8 inches storm total snowfall at Flemingsburg.

Heavy Snow in MONTGOMERY, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 09:45:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A NWS employee reported a storm total snowfall of 5.7 inches 1 mile south of Oggs Station at 2:30 AM on the 17th. A CoCoRaHS observer reported a storm total of 4.0 inches 3 miles northeast of Mount Sterling at 7:30 AM.

Heavy Snow in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 10:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Reports on social media showed storm totals of approximately 5 inches in Morehead at 1005 PM on the 16th. The co-op observer at Cave Run Lake reported 4.5 inches while a social media post showed 6.0 inches at Hilda on the morning of the 17th. A CoCoRaHS observer reported 5.1 inches of snow 6.4 miles northeast of Morehead at 6:59 AM.

Heavy Snow in ELLIOTT, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 10:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:45:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snow fell heavily at times during the afternoon and evening hours of the 16th. By the morning of the 17th, the department of highways estimated 6 to 7 inches of accumulation along the Highway 504 corridor in northwest Elliot County. Lesser amounts of around 4 inches were estimated in the eastern part of the county along Highway 32 near the Elliot/Lawrence county line. A CoCoRaHS observer reported 4.1 inches of snow 9 miles south southeast of Olive Hill at 9:00 AM on the 17th.

Heavy Snow in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 13:55:00 to 16-JAN-22 23:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

After a period of mixed precipitation and limited impacts during the morning hours of the 16th, periods of heavy, wet snow fell through the afternoon and evening. A twitter post showed approximately 5.5 inches of storm total snowfall in Monticello at 11:37 PM on 16th.

Heavy Snow in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 12:55:00 to 16-JAN-22 23:40:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation and limited impacts during the morning hours of the 16th, periods of heavy, wet snow fell through the afternoon and evening. The highway department measured a storm total snowfall of 5.0 inches at 2 AM on the 17th. An estimated 4.0 inches was reported in Stearns.

Heavy Snow in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 12:55:00 to 16-JAN-22 23:45:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

After a period of mixed precipitation and limited impacts during the morning hours of the 16th, periods of heavy, wet snow fell through the afternoon and evening. The heaviest measured storm total was 9.0 inches at a CoCoRaHS site 7 miles southwest of Corbin. The public reported 7 and 8 inches near Youngs Creek and Faber, respectively  The heavy, wet nature of the snow led to power outages at some locations.

Heavy Snow in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 17:35:00 to 17-JAN-22 01:15:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation and limited impacts during much of the 16th, periods of heavy, wet snow fell during the evening and early on the 17th. The local highway department estimated 3 to 4 inches of new snow atop Fonde Mountain the following morning.  An estimated 2 to 3 inches of snow was reported near Pineville.

Heavy Snow in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 15:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 00:45:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation and limited impacts during the morning hours of the 16th, periods of heavy, wet snow fell from mid-afternoon into the evening. Estimated storm total amounts ranged from 4 inches in Barbourville up to 7 inches in eastern part of Corbin.

Heavy Snow in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 15:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

After a period of mixed precipitation and limited impacts during the morning of the 16th, periods of heavy, wet snow fell through the afternoon and evening. An NWS employee reported a storm total of 4.1 inches approximately one mile south of Paxton at 7 AM on the 17th. The highway department estimated 4 to 5 inches along Highway 52 at the Breathitt/Lee county line. The NWS in Jackson reported a 3.5 inch storm total snowfall Most of the county measured lesser amounts.

Heavy Snow in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 14:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 01:15:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

After a period of mixed precipitation and limited impacts during the morning of the 16th, periods of heavy, wet snow fell through the afternoon and evening with the highest tallies being observed in the wester part of the county. The 911 call center at Manchester estimated a storm total snowfall of 4.5 inches at 9:45 AM on 17th.  A total of 2.7 inches was measured by a co-op observer at Oneida.

Heavy Snow in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 08:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 01:30:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Periods of heavy, wet snow fell through the afternoon and evening. The Cressy co-op observer reported a storm total snowfall of 5.5 inches at 8:00 AM on the 17th.

Heavy Snow in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 12:55:00 to 17-JAN-22 01:15:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A social media report showed 4.4 inches of snow accumulation 1 mile northwest of Hurley just after 6 PM on the 16th. Snow continued for most of the evening across the county. By 830 PM a social media report of 6.1 inches was received from along KY-30 near the Jackson/Owsley county line. Power outages due to heavy wet snow occurred in the county.

Heavy Snow in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 14:15:00 to 17-JAN-22 00:40:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

After a period of mixed precipitation earlier on the 16th, snow fell heavily during the afternoon and evening. Multiple reports of 6 to 7 inches were received via social media. Power outages were reported.

Heavy Snow in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 14:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 01:45:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local highway department reported approximately 7 inches of snow near Beattyville. This was corroborated by a social media report.

Heavy Snow in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 17:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:45:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The county highway department estimated 2.5 to 4 inches of snow across the county. The highest storm totals of up to 4 inches were reported along KY-406 and KY-699.

Heavy Snow in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 15:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The state highway garage near Salyersville reported approximately 5 inches of storm total snow accumulation. The Salyersville co-op observer measure 4.0 inches 801 AM on the 17th.

Heavy Snow in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 08:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Social Media

Periods of moderate to heavy snow occurred during the afternoon and evening hour of the 16th. A twitter report showed 5.5 inches of accumulation at Means shortly after 11 PM. Power outages due to heavy wet snow occurred in the county.

Heavy Snow in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 15:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation early on the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the afternoon and evening hours. The highway department estimated a widespread 4 to 5 inch storm total snowfall across the county.

Heavy Snow in OWSLEY, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 02:45:00 to 17-JAN-22 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation during much of the day on the 16th, snow fell heavily at times later in the afternoon and evening. The county maintenance garage reported widespread 4 to 5 inch storm total snowfall amounts. The heaviest amounts were reported on the higher ridgetops around Buffalo Creek. A CoCoRaHS observer 4 miles northeast of Booneville reported 4.0 inches as 700 AM on the 17th.

Heavy Snow in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 08:15:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:15:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Social Media

Snow fell heavily across the county during the afternoon and evening hours of the 16th. A storm total of 7.0 inches on Furnace Mountain was received at 10:50 PM. Another report of 6.3 inches was received from Slade via social social media at 11:55 PM. On the 17th, the co-op observers a Clay City and 2W Stanton reported 4.6 and 4.3 inch storm totals, respectively.

Heavy Snow in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 14:35:00 to 16-JAN-22 23:55:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

After a period of mixed precipitation during the morning of the 16th, precipitation eventually changed over to snow and fell heavily at times. The heaviest reported storm total snowfall was 5.0 inches at a CoCoRaHS site approximately 15 miles east southeast of Somerset. The department of highways reported 4.0 inches at Nancy.

Heavy Snow in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 13:45:00 to 16-JAN-22 23:55:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

After a period of mixed precipitation earlier in the day, snow fell heavily at times during the afternoon and evening. Four inches of snow was measured in Mount Vernon at 5:27 PM on the 16th, as per social media, and snow continued for several hours thereafter.

Heavy Snow in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 07:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 02:45:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

After a period of mixed precipitation during much of the day on the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the afternoon and evening. A snow report of 4.1 inches on Terrill Fork Road was received at 641 PM on January 16th, as per social media, and snow continued for several hours thereafter. An NWS employee measure 4.2 inches near Toliver at 951 AM on the 17th.

Heavy Snow in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 19:20:00 to 17-JAN-22 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation during much of the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the evening hours. The local highway department reported 1.3 to 3.5 inches storm total snowfall across the county. The highest amounts were reported in the southern part of the county in the vicinity of Minnie. Additionally, a social media report showed approximately 2.5 inches of snow in Emma at 6:30 AM on the 17th. The co-op observer 3 WSW Prestonsburg reported 1.9 inches at 7:00 AM.

Heavy Snow in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 16:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation on the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the evening and early on the 17th. The department of highways estimated storm total snowfall of 2 to 5 inches across the county. The highest amounts were estimated along KY-160 atop Big Black Mountain and along US-421 atop Pine Mountain. The co-op observer 3 miles north of Harlan on Pine Mountain measured 4.6 inches of snow at 7:00 AM.

Heavy Snow in JOHNSON, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 18:00:00 to 17-JAN-22 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After mixed precipitation during the daylight hours of the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the evening and early overnight of the 17th. The department of highways estimated storm total snowfall ranging from 2.5 inches near Paintsville to up to 5.0 inches near Flat Gap.

Heavy Snow in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 04:15:00 to 17-JAN-22 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After a period of mixed precipitation during much of the day on the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the evening into the overnight. The department of highway reported 4.3 inches of snow at Whitesburg and approximately 6 inches atop Pound Gap along US-23 and along US-119 atop Pine Mountain. Co-op observers reported 2.5 inches at 2 SE Whitesburg and 2.0 inches at Skyline at 7:00 AM on the 17th.

Heavy Snow in MARTIN, KENTUCKY
From 16-JAN-22 18:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After mixed precipitation on the 16th, snow fell heavily at times during the evening and into the early morning of the 17th. The department of highways estimated storm total snowfall of up to 3.5 inches just west of Inez. The co-op observer 2 miles east of Inez measured 2.0 inch snow total at 7 AM.