LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Freezing rain and sleet fell across Kentuckiana on Wednesday, creating some dangerous conditions and a lot of accidents.
Kentucky Emergency Management activated its State Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday morning, allowing KYEM personnel — along with representatives of the transportation department, law enforcement, power and utilities — to all monitor the weather system.
The winter storm brought freezing rain, sleet, snow and ice to various parts of Kentucky and Indiana.
"We ask Kentuckians to be cautious of roadway conditions that will be hazardous in some areas," Gov. Andy Beshear said. "Please stay off roadways unless necessary."
IMAGES | Snow and ice falling in Kentucky and southern Indiana
Share your weather pictures to webteam@wdrb.com.
Jefferson Square Park in downtown Louisville
Icicles falling from some steps in Valley Station.
A look at downtown Louisville from Ashland Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
Frozen trees in Valley Station
The rain gear on a WDRB News crew's camera covered in ice while covering the weather from The Belvedere in downtown Louisville.
Ice covers a WDRB News vehicle.
A look at downtown Louisville from Ashland Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
WDRB's Grace Hayba talked to two men who drove in this truck from Cincinnati to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where they decided to stop for the night to stay safe.
Frozen trees in Valley Station
Ice coats a WDRB News vehicle in Okolona
Ice coats a WDRB News vehicle in Okolona
Frozen trees in Valley Station
WDRB's Grace Hayba talked to two men who drove in this truck from Cincinnati to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where they decided to stop for the night to stay safe.
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
Snow and ice beginning to fall in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
A car window covered in ice in Louisville. Feb. 10, 2021
A vehicle slid off of Chapel Lane in New Albany, Indiana.
The bread aisle at a local grocery store shows people were preparing for winter weather. Feb. 10, 2021
Ice quickly covered outdoor items. Feb. 10, 2021
Sleet falling on Wednesday in Depauw, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Krystal Mousty
Snow and ice covered roads in downtown Madison, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Teresa Kelley
Sidewalks turned icy in Sellersburg. Feb. 10, 2021. Image courtesy Krystina Lynne Van Atta
Icy sidewalks in Louisville. Feb. 10, 2021
A skim of ice started the storm in Lyndon. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Michael Weible
Snow covered roads in Pekin, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Image courtesy Donna Mull Smith
Snow in Salem, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Rebecca Ragsdale
Scott County, Indiana roads were covered in snow. Feb. 10, 2021
Snow plows waited on Arthur Street near Interstate 65 for the storm to begin. Feb. 10, 2021
Snow plows waited on Arthur Street near Interstate 65 for the storm to begin. Feb. 10, 2021
Ice pellets covered everything in Canton, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Michelle Lee Sowder.
Ice pellets covered everything in Canton, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Michelle Lee Sowder.
A coating of ice covered the car of Kelley Adams Myers, when she was ready to leave work. Feb. 10, 2021. Courtesy Kelley Adams Myers
Ice covers a WDRB News vehicle covering the weather from Corydon, Indiana.
The rain gear on a WDRB News crew's camera got hit with the ice while covering the weather from Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
Ice covers a WDRB News car.
Ice covers a TARC bus stop sign in Louisville's Belknap neighborhood.
Ice covers a trash can in Louisville's Belknap neighborhood.
Ice covers a fire hydrant in Louisville's Belknap neighborhood.
Wintry conditions in downtown Louisville.
A frozen plant in downtown Louisville.
The Greyhound Bus station in downtown Louisville as a wintry mix falls across the city.
A look at downtown Louisville as Wednesday's wintry mix headed into the city.
Icicles hang off of a chair in Meade County, Kentucky.
Some icicles on a bench in Meade County, Kentucky.
Icy grass in southern Indiana.
Ashland Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
The rain gear on a WDRB News crew's camera got hit with the ice while covering the weather from Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
A frozen plant in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Icicles in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Snow and ice fill up an outdoor fountain in Crestwood, Kentucky.
KYEM is also urging to motorists to be cautious while driving as black ice is expected to form on roadways and overpasses. On Tuesday, crews were out preparing highways for winter snow and ice.
"If you must travel, please reduce your speed, give yourself extra time and check road conditions before you leave at GoKY.ky.gov," KYEM Executive Director Michael Dossett said.
The Kentucky State Police Department has created a video with tips on how to drive more safely on ice and snow.
The governor's office is also reminding the public that power outages are possible as a result of this storm. If you lose power, remember the following:
- Alternate heat sources can pose a risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning if used incorrectly. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and placed at least 20 feet away from windows.
- Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat our home. For more information, CLICK HERE.
- Upon the event of a downed power line or power outage, contact your local utility company, which should be able to provide you with information on the expected duration of your outage. Stay away from downed power lines or broken utility lines.
Kentucky residents are encouraged to have winter weather emergency car and home kits at the ready. For information on what kinds of items to include in these kits, CLICK HERE.
In southern Indiana, city roads were covered and slick. The Indiana Department of Transportation told WDRB News there are about 100 trucks out all across the region, treating and clearing roads through at least Thursday afternoon, with a shift change at midnight.
The road conditions prompted some counties to issue a Travel Watch, meaning only essential travel should happen — such as driving to and from work or driving for an emergency. Other counties issued advisories, meaning drivers should use extra caution on the roads.
It's also important to check on your neighbors to make sure they have the shelter, warmth and food they need.
Take care of those pets! Winter weather can pose risks for animals. For tips from the Kentucky Humane Society on how to keep your pets safe, CLICK HERE.
Copyright 2021 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
