Lexington Scrambles to Overhaul Snow Response After Chaotic March Storm

Emails reveal city leaders didn't discuss weather forecast until hours after major crashes and delays

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of white, grey, and blue, depicting a snow-covered highway stretching into the distance, with only a few stranded vehicles visible through the heavy fog and blowing snow. The overwhelming scale of the natural forces dwarfs the human presence, conveying the sublime power of the winter storm.The March snowstorm in Lexington exposed the city's inability to effectively respond to winter weather emergencies, leaving drivers stranded for hours on frozen highways.Lexington Today

Emails obtained by WKYT Investigates show Lexington city leaders did not discuss the weather forecast until hours after a March snowstorm caused more than 150 crashes and stranded drivers for hours. The storm, which Mayor Linda Gorton called 'extremely unusual,' triggered a major response failure, leading to the resignation of the city's Commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works and a pledge to overhaul the city's snow and ice plan.

Why it matters

The March 17 storm exposed major gaps in Lexington's ability to respond effectively to sudden winter weather events, raising questions about the city's reliance on weather forecasts, communication between departments, and overall preparedness for future storms.

The details

WKYT First Alert Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey had warned viewers about the impending conditions the night before, but city leaders did not discuss the forecast until hours after the chaos unfolded. Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen said the early forecast called for only minor accumulation, but a cold front flash-froze the melting snow on the roads, leading to over 150 crashes. Lexington Emergency Management Director Rob Larkin texted Allen late on March 16 asking if crews were out, but Allen said they had stopped work at 8 p.m. The city did not dispatch full crews until 6:25 a.m. on March 17, less than 30 minutes before ordering all operators to report immediately.

  • On March 16, WKYT First Alert Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey warned viewers about the impending winter weather conditions.
  • On March 16, the city sent out tankers to pretreat hills, bridges, and overpasses out of caution, with crews working until 8 p.m.
  • Around 9 p.m. on March 16, Lexington Emergency Management Director Rob Larkin texted Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen asking if crews were still out.
  • At an undisclosed time overnight on March 16-17, the city dispatched a night crew to treat a state intersection at the request of Lexington Police after a three-vehicle crash.
  • At 6:25 a.m. on March 17, Rob Allen called for at least one operator to be sent out per zone to treat roads, and less than 30 minutes later ordered all operators to report immediately.

The players

Linda Gorton

The mayor of Lexington, who called the March 17 storm 'extremely unusual' and announced the resignation of the city's Commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works.

Rob Allen

The Streets and Roads Director for the City of Lexington, who communicated with other city leaders about the weather forecast and response efforts.

Rob Larkin

The Lexington Emergency Management Director, who texted Rob Allen on the night of March 16 asking if crews were still out.

Nancy Albright

The former Commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works for the City of Lexington, who resigned after the city's failed response to the March 17 storm.

Chris Bailey

The WKYT First Alert Chief Meteorologist, who warned viewers about the impending winter weather conditions the night before the storm.

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What they’re saying

“I think we get an uptick right around 4, 5, 6 o'clock in the morning. So, don't be surprised on that trip into work and school tomorrow morning if we aren't dealing with some hefty snow showers yet again.”

— Chris Bailey, WKYT First Alert Chief Meteorologist

“I got to about mile marker 107, and it was a parking lot. Then I was there for an hour, then two hours, three hours, then four hours, then five hours.”

— Bill Stuker

“I share the public's frustration and disappointment in the services we have provided in the recent ice and snowstorms. Our approach currently isn't working very well, and we need to start over.”

— Linda Gorton, Mayor of Lexington

What’s next

The mayor said she plans to ask the city council to approve agreements with eight new contractors to scale up heavy equipment and experienced personnel to better handle future winter storms.

The takeaway

Lexington's failed response to the March 17 snowstorm has prompted the city to overhaul its snow and ice plan, highlighting the need for better coordination, communication, and preparedness when it comes to sudden winter weather events.