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Snow strands drivers on I-75 south of Lexington

Posted at 1:25 AM, Jan 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-23 01:44:42-05

LONDON, Ky. -- Drivers were stranded on a Interstate 75 south of Lexington as Friday's snowstorm turned the freeway into a parking lot.

The London City Police Department reported northbound traffic was backed up starting at exit 38 because of immobile trucks 30 miles away, at the 68 mile marker.

 

We urge all citizens to stay off the roadways this evening, unless it's an emergency. I-75 northbound is currently at a...

Posted by London City Police Department on Friday, January 22, 2016

Northbound traffic was being diverted at exit 41 in London, while southbound traffic was being diverted at exit 76 in Berea, Kentucky, according to Lexington ABC affiliate WTVQ.

Traffic came to a standstill Friday afternoon and didn't budge well into Friday night. Some drivers told WTVQ they'd been stuck for 10 hours.

 

Current road conditions near I-75 in London.

Posted by London City Police Department on Friday, January 22, 2016

A shelter opened at West London Baptist Church because all the city's hotel rooms were booked; another shelter opened at Rockcastle County Middle School in Mount Vernon. Kentucky State Police reported hotels in Berea were quickly filling up, too. The American Red Cross was providing food to the motorists.

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin declared a statewide emergency Friday, urging people to stay off the road and providing local officials with immediate access to state resources in dealing with the storm.