LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Almost all residents of Kentucky and Indiana are in the path of a winter storm this weekend with cities and residents preparing ahead of potential snowfall.

Louisville Department of Transportation Director Bill Bell said crews will be out as early as Thursday treating roads with the projected snowfall up to 10 inches. 

"We've brined more in the last six weeks than we have in the last three years," Bell said, who urged drivers to use caution and slow down in winter weather.

Experts in Louisville said there are three things people can do before the snow starts: 

  • Stock up on food, water, medication and pet supplies.
  • Park off the street when possible to help plows and emergency vehicles.
  • Charge phones, tablets and flashlights in case of power outages.

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Snow and driving

Metro Louisville and Jefferson County

Snow is always a concern for roadways. Louisville Metro Public Works covers 2,750 miles of roads divided into 111 routes to systematically clear ice and snow. Snow routes get priority because they are focused on streets that carry the most traffic or connect people to big employers, neighborhoods, schools or medical facilities. 

To check the Metro Louisville Snow Map to see which streets have been treated, click here. 

You can also use the TRIMARC map and area cameras to check real-time conditions and hazards on area roads. Click here. 

What To Do if Traffic Signals Are Not Working:

  • Flashing yellow, proceed with caution
  • Flashing red, treat as a stop sign
  • No signal lights, treat as a 4-way stop

Car emergency kit

If you have to drive during winter weather, make sure to have these items in your car if you become stranded:

  • Blanket or warm clothing
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Portable phone charger
  • First-aid kit
  • Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
  • Jumper cables
  • Small shovel
  • Sand, cat litter, or traction mats
  • Emergency flares or reflective triangles
  • Gloves and hand warmers

Kentucky 

Kentucky Emergency Management is reminding people to take it easy on snowy roads. 

Slow down, don't use cruise control and increase following distance. Remember black ice can form on any road, and bridges freeze first. Give snowplows plenty of room and stay alert for changing road conditions.

With salt domes filled in every county and more than 1,500 plow trucks on deck, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet staff, crew members and contractors across much of Kentucky begin pretreating roads in advance of any winter weather. 

What To Do When a Downed Power Line Is on the Roadway:

  • Never touch or drive over a fallen power line; report the issue to the power company.
  • If a power line has fallen on your vehicle, STAY INSIDE, do not exit, and call 911.
  • Assume all downed power lines are live and DO NOT attempt to move.

Kentuckians should visit snowky.ky.gov for the latest on travel conditions.

Indiana 

The Indiana Department of Transportation said drivers often aren't prepared for winter driving and forget to take it slow. Drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars.

Roads that seem dry may actually be slippery – and dangerous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas — all are hot spots for black ice.

For the latest information concerning road conditions visit Indiana Travel Conditions, or call 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 5-1-1 from your cell phone. All services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Bitter cold expected

Following the winter weather system, dangerously cold temperatures are moving into the region. Wind chills could be below or near 0 degrees for most of Kentucky and southern Indiana.

In Louisville, Emergency Management told people to take care of the basics by staying warm and staying connected. 

  • Keep extra blankets and safe heat sources on hand (never use ovens for heat).
  • Check on elderly neighbors or anyone needing assistance.
  • Sign up for LENSAlert for city updates.
  • Download the LouReady app. The app is free to download. To download the app on the Apple App Store, click here. To download it on the Google Play Store, click here.

Staying safe and protecting your health 

Snow isn't the only concern when winter storms hit our area. Bitter cold is also something to keep an eye on, and there are ways to protect yourself.

If you must be outside, there are some things to prioritize. Doctors at UofL Health-Jewish Hospital stress the importance of wearing enough layers and keeping your hands and feet warm. 

Experts said to think about putting on base layers underneath your warmer items, and waterproof and windproof clothing. 

Shoes with traction are also important, as doctors see injuries from people slipping and falling during snow events. 

Another important tip is to stay hydrated if you're outside, as the cold can be hard on your body. Doctors worry about people passing out in the snow as we use a lot of energy to stay warm. 

Shoveling snow can cause aches and pains, but the biggest risk is to your heart. Cardiovascular problems can occur if you over exert yourself. Doctors suggest taking breaks and listening to your body.

Operation White Flag

Operation White Flag goes into effect when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. When a shelter hangs a white flag outside, the shelters work to find space for as many people as possible. Participating shelters include:

Wayside Christian Mission 
  • For single men, women, and families
  • 432 E. Jefferson St.
  • No reservations required during White Flag; first come, first served
  • Capacity: 200 (100 with mats)

Salvation Army 

  • For single men and women
  • 911 S. Brook St.
  • Check-ins: women at 5:30 p.m. and men at 6 p.m.
  • Reservations: Call 502-637-2337, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (optional, guarantees a bed)
  • Capacity: 10 beds for men, 10 for women
  • Day shelter: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (meals provided before and after overnight stays)

Daytime warming centers

Two day-warming centers will operate during extreme weather:

Hope Rescued 
  • 2833 Garfield Ave.
  • Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • 928-277-7206

Exodus Family Ministries 

  • 4205 Cane Run Road
  • Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • 502-614-8544 or 502-823-8870

Additional Neighborhood Places will also offer warming space during normal business hours.

Utility and water companies prepared for ice, freezing temperatures

Louisville Gas & Electric said 1,000 field workers are standing by to help customers who may experience power outages. LG&E has been working throughout the year to prepare for winter weather situations, aiming to prevent outages and minimize how long the power is knocked out.

"Our crews have been here before," said Drew Gardner with LG&E. "They know what we're up against in these situations."

Garner said the system handles snow pretty well, but wind and ice cause the most issues. But LG&E made upgrades to its infrastructure to make the grid stronger and withstand higher winds and a larger amount of ice.

The company also installed advanced meters that immediately let field workers know where outages are and automated reclosers that reroute power around outages to quickly restore power to some customers.

"We just ask that our customers also prepare," Gardner said.

Crews from the Louisville Water Company are also ready to repair any broken water mains throughout the city. Company spokesperson Kelley Dearing Smith said people should take precautions at home.

"We will hear from customers who don't have water, and 99% of the time, it's not a Louisville Water issue. It's your frozen plumbing on your side of the property line," she said. "So the best thing you can do is find your water shutoff valve.

Kentucky State Parks warming stations

In the event of power outages, temporary shelter will be available to those in need. For more information about Kentucky State Park warming stations, click here. 

The following locations are serving as warming stations:

  • Convention Center at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park (Prestonsburg)
  • Visitor Center at My Old Kentucky Home State Park (Bardstown)
  • Convention Center at General Butler State Resort Park (Carrollton)
  • Sawyer Hayes Convention Center at EP Tom Sawyer State Park (Louisville)
  • Convention Center at Columbus Belmont State Park (Columbus)
  • Woodland Center at Natural Bridge State Resort Park (Slade)
  • Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas)
  • Carter Caves State Resort Park (Olive Hill)
  • Greenbo Lake State Resort Park (Greenup)
  • Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park (Carlisle)

Room in the Inn program

Two downtown Louisville churches are opening their doors to keep the city's homeless population warm overnight.

Room In the Inn provides beds and warm meals for homeless individuals at churches when it's too cold for them to sleep outside. The program started about 39 years ago in Nashville.

Christ Church Cathedral, on South 2nd Street, launched "Room in the Inn" in Louisville last winter. Christ Church Cathedral has 15 beds and has already started welcoming guests.

Starting Monday, Jan. 26, Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ will also open its doors to 10 people in need every night.

Guests arrive at 1612 Story Ave around 6 p.m. for dinner, some downtime and a safe place to sleep. They will also have breakfast

For anyone interested in volunteering, email roomintheinnlouisville@gmail.com. You can also call Christ Church Cathedral at (502) 587-1354 or Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ at (502) 587-6190.

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.

Power outages

Power outages are possible in any weather, but outages are particularly dangerous in cold weather. 

Here are links to check outages or to report an outage: 

LG&E/KU storm center 

Duke Energy in Indiana

Build an emergency kit

The U.S. government's "Ready" pages suggests keeping an emergency kit on hand that includes a battery-powered radio, flashlights for everyone in the family, fresh batteries for any devices, a first-aid kit, and over-the-counter and prescription medications. For a more comprehensive list of items you should keep on hand, click here. 

Pets and the cold

Do not leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. The Kentucky Humane Society says if you have outdoor dogs or cats bring them inside. Pets are at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and death during extreme cold snaps, and wind chill is particularly dangerous. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paws can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage.

KHS also has a Pet Resources Services number at 502-509-4738.

If you know of an animal left outside in the cold without extra protection, you can report it to Louisville Metro Animal Services at  502-473-PETS (7387).

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