Louisville winter weather advisory: Drivers urged to take caution as rain turns to snow
The Louisville area and much of Kentucky has been placed under a winter weather advisory through Thursday morning ahead of a storm that will bring rain, freezing temperatures and about an inch of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain in the Derby City started Wednesday afternoon and is expected to continue off and on through 6 p.m., when the rain is expected to turn into sleet then snow, meteorologist Brian Neudorff said.
More: From ice to holiday snow, relive the 10 worst winter weather events in Kentuckiana history
At the same time, "temperatures will just crash," Neudorff said.
Temperatures were in the mid-40s during the day Wednesday, but they are expected to drop into the 20s Wednesday evening.
"We want people to know you’ve got big changes," Neudorff said. "This is a going to be a situation where we get rain, so wet roads. Then with that transition of the temperature drop, it’s going to be really quick. ... It's highly likely that there will be slick spots out there."
Will the roads be treated?
Louisville Metro Director of Public Works Vanessa Burns urged that drivers take caution Wednesday night and Thursday morning as the city's snow team works to treat roadways.
"Just be slow. We had a lot of accidents because people are not being slow," Burns said of the city's first snowfall earlier this month when there was more than 150 accidents. "Our snow team does the best job it can. ... We just hope that people will respect that we need to do it and sometimes it takes awhile."
Crews began salting some roadways Wednesday afternoon but they were unable to pre-treat with brine due to the rain.
Meanwhile, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said crews were readying to clear roads and bridges.
“When temperatures drop below freezing in a short time, roadways already wet from melting snow can become icy,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “Our snow and ice crews will be focused on keeping roadways and overpasses passable, especially for the Thursday morning commute. But the best way to stay safe still is to forego nonessential travel.”
Kentucky traffic conditions can be monitored at GoKY.ky.gov.
The progress of Louisville's road crews can be tracked by clicking on this link.
Are schools closing?
Jefferson County Public Schools, which is not holding in-person classes this week, canceled all sporting events and extracurricular activities after 6 p.m. Wednesday due to the storm, the district said in a text sent to parents.
That included scheduled basketball games for Fern Creek vs. Butler, Eastern vs. DuPont Manual and Iroquois vs. North Bullitt.
In Indiana, Clarksville Community Schools announced it would be on a remote learning schedule Thursday and Friday.
More: Kentuckiana cancellations, delays: Clarksville Community schools go to remote learning
The snow should continue through about midnight. The high on Thursday is expected to be around 30, though it's expected most of the day will be spent in the 20s.
Are homeless shelters open?
Operation White Flag, which goes into effect any time the wind chill dips below 35 degrees, is in place. The following shelters are participating:
Wayside Christian Mission is located at 432 E. Jefferson St. During White Flag, those staying overnight do not have to leave during the day. Their number is 502-742-7019.
St. Vincent de Paul, 1034 S. Jackson St., is a men's only shelter. Call 502-584-2480 ext. 241 for more info. White Flag check-in is at 6:00 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome at any time. Check-out the following day is at 6 a.m.
Salvation Army Center, 911 S. Brook St., is a day shelter only. They can be reached at 502-671-4904.
For more emergency shelter, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/homeless-services-division/emergency-shelter-options.
Emergency shelter beds can be reserved by calling Single Point of Entry at 502-637-2337 from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. seven days a week or by visiting the Ollie Green II Building,1300 South 4th Street, Suite 250.
Louisville weather forecast
Here's what the National Weather Service is forecasting for the next few days:
Wednesday night: There is a chance of rain and snow showers before 9 p.m., then a chance of snow showers between 9 p.m. and midnight. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. North wind 7 to 10 mph.
Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 29.
Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15.
Contact reporter Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville under winter weather advisory: Snow, rain expected
