Outdoor workers in Louisville facing frigid winter temperatures this week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With frigid temperatures expected to remain in the Louisville area for the next few days, people who work outside are facing the brunt of the chilling cold.

Louisville Water crews braved the bitterly cold temperatures Monday while working on a pipe that had burst on Bank Street in the Portland neighborhood.

"The more cold it is, it seems to happen more," said Craig Wyatt, Louisville Water Company plumber leader. "They say when the water temperature gets at like 38 degrees, it is a key component for things to start breaking ore."

Although the sun was out on Monday, temperatures barely climbed above single digits.

"I don't know if you ever get used to it," Wyatt said. "Sometimes trucks have heaters on the back and you can warm up your hands and what not but if you feel like you are getting cold you will take a small break or sit in the truck and get warmed up."

The water main break caused some who needed the water for their jobs with no options but to stand around and wait.

AA RAW WATER COMPANY COLD WATER — Louisville firefighters responded to a house fire on 26th Street on Jan. 15, 2024.

The temperatures were also causing another challenge just one street away. Firefighters arrived on scene at a house fire on 26th Street, but they had to sit in their trucks because the hoses and pipes were frozen.

At Brownsboro Hardware and Paint, store owners made sure they were stocked up on key items.

"One of the biggest things is the faucet protectors for outdoor spigots, there is a foam cover that you can put over to protect it from freezing," said Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware and Paint. "Heat tapes for copper pipes that are exposed to cold weather."

Hand warmers were also a big seller on Monday as frigid temperatures look to continue for the next few days. For the latest round of winter weather, sleds and shovels are taking a back seat to what is needed.

"Tons of work gloves, tons of Jersey gloves, tons of firewood, all of those things," Carroll said. "Propane heaters for plumbers and people working outside."

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