Hey, Louisville! Winter is officially here, and it’s putting on quite the show. Heavy snow moved through the area last night with bursts of up to 1 inch per hour, covering everything in a blanket of white and turning roads into slip-and-slide zones. While the Winter Storm Warning has been canceled, we’re still under a Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM Wednesday. If you’ve got places to be, here’s what you need to know before stepping outside.
What Happened Overnight?
The storm didn’t waste any time delivering the goods. Snow came down fast and heavy, making roads slick and visibility poor. Areas from Elizabethtown to Lexington saw some of the heaviest snowfall, but Louisville got its fair share too. If you peek outside this morning, you’ll probably see snow-covered sidewalks, driveways, and roads waiting to trip you up. Fun, right?
The good news: The worst is over.
The bad news: There’s still an extra inch or two of snow possible before things fully calm down this morning.
And with temperatures hovering around 32°F (0°C), anything that melted overnight could refreeze, so watch your step!
Wednesday’s Forecast:
🌨️ Lingering Snow:
- Light snow showers will stick around through early morning, but the bulk of the storm is done. Expect an additional inch of accumulation at most before it tapers off.
🌡️ Freezing Temperatures:
- The high today will be around 35°F (2°C), but the real problem is the morning low near freezing, which means icy roads and sidewalks could be waiting to catch you off guard.
💨 Light Winds:
- No major gusts, but there’s enough breeze to blow around any loose snow, especially in open areas.
Why You Should Be Extra Cautious:
-
Slippery Roads and Black Ice:
The snow from last night mixed with freezing temps is a recipe for black ice. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads will be the worst spots, so take it slow if you’re driving. -
Morning Travel Could Be Messy:
If you’re heading out, expect delays and slow-moving traffic. Whether you’re dropping the kids off or heading to work, give yourself plenty of time. Side streets may stay slick until road crews can fully clear them. -
Limited Visibility:
Wet road spray and lingering snow flurries could make it harder to see while driving, so keep your headlights on and stay alert.
How to Stay Safe:
🚗 Driving Tips:
- Go slow. I know, I know—we all want to get there fast, but trust me, black ice doesn’t care how late you are.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead. Stopping distances are longer on icy roads.
- Pack an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, water, and a phone charger—just in case you end up stuck on the side of the road.
🏠 At Home:
- Clear your sidewalks and driveways before the snow freezes into an icy mess.
- Sprinkle salt or sand on slippery spots to prevent falls (and keep the delivery driver happy).
- Enjoy a second cup of coffee if you’re lucky enough to stay inside.
🐶 Don’t Forget About Your Furry Friends:
- Bring pets indoors or give them a warm, dry shelter.
- Check their paws for ice or salt after walks—it can cause irritation.
Is There a Chance of Power Outages?
The good news is that widespread outages aren’t expected. But the wet, heavy nature of the snow could stress tree branches and power lines in some areas. Better safe than sorry—keep flashlights, extra batteries, and your phone charged just in case.
When Will It Get Better?
The snow should wrap up by mid-morning, but icy patches on roads and sidewalks could linger through the day. With temps hovering near freezing, be cautious during your Thursday morning commute too.
Stay Updated:
Check the Kentucky 511 app or visit goky.ky.gov for real-time road conditions. Local news will have updates on school delays, cancellations, and road clearing progress.
This storm may not be a blizzard, but it’s definitely making its presence known with slick roads and slow commutes. If you can, stay home and enjoy the view of the snow from your window. If you do need to head out, bundle up, drive carefully, and give yourself extra time.
