LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Snow and bitter cold is gripping parts of Kentucky and southern Indiana, and temperatures aren't expected to thaw out until next week.
Greater snow totals are to the south of Louisville, after a storm moved through late Sunday into Monday morning.
Some parts of our viewing area in the central and southern parts of Kentucky near the Bluegrass, Western Kentucky and Cumberland Parkways had between two and four inches of snow. Additional accumulations are possible on Monday afternoon.
IMAGES | Winter weather leaves snow in parts of Kentucky and southern Indiana
Temperatures on Monday struggled to get out of the single digits, and wind chills were below zero.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Sunday night as severe winter weather moved across the state. According to a news release, the state of emergency declaration allows for activation of state resources.
WDRB meteorologist Jude Redfield said temperatures will struggle to get above freezing this week, and he said there is a potential for more snow on Thursday and Friday.
The freezing temperatures have made for hazardous driving conditions, especially on secondary and rural roads.
Schools and many government offices closed for the federal holiday honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, so it has given salt crews some time to treat major roadways. But with temperatures in the single digits, it is too cold for the salt to do much good.
Warming centers
Metro Louisville is working to keep people safe and warm by opening eight warming centers across the city. To find a location, click here. Three pop-up shelters will be open through Friday.
JCPS contingency plan
Jefferson County Public Schools said it would make a decision by 5 a.m. Tuesday on whether there will be school. JCPS spokesperson Carolyn Callahan told WDRB on Monday that temperatures could be a deciding factor, if the wind chill is -8 or below.
JCPS has said it plans to make traditional snow days a thing of the past. The district said every school has a plan for non-traditional instruction. The district said in a letter to families last week that it plans to use NTI when possible, rather than cancel school for the day.
Emergency planning
Louisville Metro Emergency Management is reminding the public to have a plan to deal with the cold --both at home and if you are going outside. At home, make sure you have flashlights, extra food, and all your prescriptions. If you're on the road, you'll want to have jumper cables, reflective material, and a full tank of gas.
Pets and the cold
Metro Animal Services is offering free straw to help Jefferson County residents protect pets from the cold. The straw is to provide dry, warm bedding for domesticated pets living outside. For information, click here. If you know of an animal left outside in the cold without extra protection, you can report it to LMAS at 502-473-PETS (7387).
Winter weather alerts
Download the WDRB News and WDRB Weather apps to your smartphone or devices for alerts and immediate information. Click here for links to the app stores.
WDRB Text Alerts
Sign up for WDRB Text Alerts to get the first notifications when news breaks or schools close. Stay connected on the go by customizing information you want sent to your phone or device. WDRB will send you text messages to your wireless device or send the information to your inbox as an email. Click here to sign up.
Related stories:
- Gov. Andy Beshear declares state of emergency amid severe winter weather
- Pop-up shelters around South Louisville helping people survive severe winter weather
- Louisville officials urge caution as high winds, extremely cold temperatures head toward the area
- 'It's brutal' | Colder weather makes fighting fires in Louisville more challenging
- Louisville students prepare to learn from home, if needed, as JCPS opts for NTI over snow days
Copyright 2024. WDRB Media. All rights reserved.
