By Brian Shlonsky

In 1985, Lexington experienced it’s Jan. 20 record low temperature of -18 degrees Fahrenheit.

Twenty-six years later, temperatures were not as extreme. However, inclement weather was still a concern, creating hazardous road conditions for motorists and resulting in school closings and delays.

A Thursday evening UK news release announced that classes scheduled for Friday before 10 a.m. were canceled and the university would be running on a two hour delay.

Fayette County public school officials canceled school for the entire day Friday.

Leuitenant Scott Blakely of the Lexington Division of Police said that police responded to 73 non-injury accidents between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., a higher volume than normal.

“It (the snow) has increased the workload,” Blakely said. “I want to caution everyone to increase stopping distances, be patient, use slow speeds and be careful on bridges and overpasses.”

Blakely said motorists were having the most difficulties on interstates and the northern part of New Circle Road.

History graduate student Mike Shepard, who lives seven hours away in Youngstown, Ohio, was forced to leave Lexington later than usual to visit his wife.

“I will have to leave in the morning,” Shepard said. “But, I was hoping to get more time with her (his wife) this weekend.”

According to weather.com, as of 9:15 p.m., Thursday’s low temperature was 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and an estimated 1.5 inches of snow had accumulated.