Live updates: Hundreds lose power as high winds move through Louisville

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Severe weather, including high-speed winds, isolated thunderstorms and even rain that could turn into snow, will roll into the Louisville Metro area Friday, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Louisville.

The National Weather Service of Louisville is forecasting wind gusts of 45-55 mph on Friday and damaging winds of more than 58 mph possible in the afternoon. The agency also stated that rain could turn into snow and light accumulations are possible.

The weather comes ahead of a massive cold front that is expected to send temperatures plummeting beginning Sunday evening. High temperatures are expected to stay in the teens beginning Monday with wind chills dipping below zero.

5:45 p.m.: Thousands without power in Jefferson County as strong winds move into Louisville Metro

Nearly 2,400 customers in Jefferson County and hundreds more across the commonwealth are without power as strong winds ahead of an expected cold front ripped into the region Friday evening.

According to LG&E's outage map, several customers lost power shortly after 5 p.m. Most of the affected customers are in south Louisville, with roughly 1,500 around Okolona being impacted. There is currently no estimate on when power could be restored.

Along with high winds, rain showers have also been persistent throughout the day. According to a report from the National Weather Service in Louisville, 1.18 inches of rain fell in Louisville Friday, tying a record set in 1888.

1:35 p.m.: 'Jack Frost has changed his name to Jack Freeze'

Dangerous levels of cold are expected to move into the Louisville region beginning Saturday evening, officials confirmed during a news conference hosted by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg Friday.

Meteorologist John Gordon, director of the National Weather Service in Louisville, said there is a “100% guarantee” below freezing temperatures will move into the area, bringing subzero wind chill values that will last well into next week.

"Tuesday night into Wednesday is the night I'm most concerned about," he said.

According to the latest forecast, wind chills are expected to be in the single digits and below zero, with readings for for Wednesday expected to reach -10 during portions of the day.

"Jack Frost has changed his name to Jack Freeze," Gordon said.

Wind chill values are dependent on snowfall totals the region receives. Minor accumulation of less than .1 inches is expected over the weekend, he said, so estimates may change over the coming days.

Jefferson County Public Schools spokesperson Carolyn Callahan said the school district has not yet determined if classes will take place Tuesday. A final decision will be made by 5 a.m. on Tuesday and parents will be notified by text, email and the district’s social channels.

Callahan said if the district closes, it will use one of its 10 available non-traditional instruction days that students will not have to make up at the end of the year. Many schools have already given students packets to work on if school is cancelled.

Callahan also said school properties are being monitored for power outages and necessary maintenance to keep students safe from dangerous temperatures.

Greenberg said libraries and community centers will be open during regular business hours as warming centers, which means they will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Operation White Flag is in effect and people that need shelter can stay in the Salvation Army, 911 S. Brook Street and Wayside Christian Mission, 432 E. Jefferson Street. There are reservations available at the Salvation Army location by calling (502) 637-2337.

9:30 a.m.: Some flights from Louisville to Chicago canceled

A total of nine flights have been canceled between Louisville and Chicago as a major storm system sweeps across the Midwest, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Natalie Chaudoin said Friday.

Four flights departing for and five incoming flights from Chicago have been canceled so far, she said. The flights are from three different airlines — American Airlines, Southwest and United Airlines.

"Anyone traveling, especially to the Chicago area or where winter weather is expected, are strongly encouraged to monitor their flight status via their airline website or mobile app," Chaudoin said.

8 a.m.: High Wind Warning to go into effect beginning at noon

The National Weather Service in Louisville has issued a High Wind Warning set to begin at noon on Friday for several parts of Kentucky, including Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green. The warning will last until 7 p.m.

According to the latest forecast, wind gusts of 58 mph or more are possible during the afternoon hours. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible from 2-6 p.m.

"Rain is moving through the area this morning and some thunderstorms are possible," the NWS stated. "As the system moves out of the region tonight, rain will transition to light snow."

5 a.m.: Louisville to be under Wind Advisory Friday

Many parts of Kentucky, including Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green, will be under a Wind Advisory starting at 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday, officials said, but the advisory could upgrade to a High Wind Warning depending on the conditions.

According to NWS, the high-speed wind expected for Friday afternoon can affect trees, cause minor damage to structures and even power outages.

Mayor Craig Greenberg is expected to host a news conference to discuss the city's preparedness ahead of the winter weather approaching at 12:15 p.m. Leaders from several city departments, including the Louisville Fire Division and Louisville Metro Public Works, are expected to speak, along with NWS chief meteorologist John Gordon.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville weather: Below freezing temperatures guaranteed next week