Impending Winter Storm Brings Heavy Snow, Ice and Arctic Winds to Louisville Jan 24‑27

Winter Storm Targets the Region: Snow, Sleet, adn Bitter Cold Set to Disrupt Weekend Travel

The upcoming winter storm threatens to blanket the region with heavy snow, while sleet and freezing rain may mix in to the south. Forecasters warn of a perilous cold spell that could linger into early next week, prompting travel advisories and urgent safety tips from local weather teams.

forecasts show Friday bringing more clouds than sun as a cold air mass sweeps in. Daytime highs are expected to stay in the 20s, with a brisk northerly wind making it feel as cold as the single digits in places. Overnight, temperatures drop further, and wind chills dip below zero in many areas.

snow is forecast to move in from the west around midday Saturday, continuing through the day and into Saturday night. Snowfall will be heavy at times, reducing visibility and making travel increasingly treacherous as the storm progresses.

Heavy snow is likely Saturday night,with accumulations in the 4 to 6 inch range possible. South of the Kentucky Parkways, some locations may see sleet or freezing rain begin to mix in Saturday night, while farther north areas remain under all snow.

Sunday will bring continued heavy snowfall as sleet and ice become more involved south of the Parkways.forecasters expect additional accumulations of 6 to 12 inches in many spots, especially just north of the sleet/ice transition zone.

Today marks the final pre-storm window to prepare. Travel is expected to be extremely difficult, and in some areas may become unachievable as a prolonged cold snap settles in through the early part of next week. Local forecasters advise staying tuned for updates from the storm-tracking team as conditions evolve.

Timeframe	Forecasted Conditions	Snow/Ice Accumulation	Travel Impact
Friday	Mostly cloudy with a developing chill; highs in the 20s	N/A	Limited outdoor activity; plan for delays
Saturday (midday into night)	Widespread snow develops	4–6 inches possible by night	Travel becomes difficult; adjust plans
Saturday night into Sunday	Snow continues; sleet possible south of Parkways	Additional 4–6 inches; sleet south	Road conditions deteriorate further
Sunday	Snow persists; sleet/ice south of Parkways	6–12 inches more north of transition	Meaningful travel hazards remain

Evergreen storm safety and planning tips

• Prepare an emergency kit with water, nonperishables, flashlights, and batteries.
• Charge cell phones and keep essential devices powered.
• check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with limited mobility.
• Stock vehicles with warm clothing, blankets, a shovel, ice scraper, and extra fuel if safe to do so.
• Follow official forecasts and local advisories; avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours.

For reliable updates, consult national authorities such as the National Weather Service and NOAA. Local forecast teams will provide real-time guidance as conditions change.

Reader questions

• What steps are you taking to stay safe this weekend and in the days ahead?
• Which readiness tips have worked best for you during past winter storms?

Share this alert with friends and family to help them prepare, and drop a comment with your on-the-ground updates or preparedness tips.

Disclaimer: This article provides weather facts and safety guidance. For urgent or life-threatening conditions, contact local authorities. Update cycles and advisories may change as the storm evolves.

I‑64 and I‑71 expected to experience intermittent closures due to snowdrifts and ice.

Weather Overview: Jan 24‑27 Winter Storm Forecast for Louisville

• Primary system: A low‑pressure area tracking from the Ohio Valley into the central Appalachians, pulling a cold‑air dome from Canada.
• Key hazards: Heavy, wet snow; a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain; sustained Arctic winds reaching 30‑45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
• Impact window: Snow and ice begin late‑night Jan 24,peak intensity Jan 25‑26,and taper off by early Jan 27.

source: National Weather Service (NWS) forecast discussion for the Louisville (KLMK) office (issued Jan 22,2026).

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Timeline of Storm Progression

Date	Time (CST)	Weather Element	Expected Conditions
Jan 24	22:00‑23:59	Initial band	Light snow (0.2–0.5 in) with early wind chills –10 °F.
Jan 25	00:00‑12:00	Main snowfall	Heavy snow (2‑4 in/hr), total 6‑9 in for the day; icy sleet patches.
Jan 25	12:00‑18:00	Arctic wind surge	winds 35‑45 mph, wind chill –30 °F to –40 °F; blowing snow reduces visibility.
jan 26	00:00‑12:00	Secondary mix	Light to moderate sleet/freezing rain (0.2‑0.3 in), accumulating ice on roadways.
Jan 26	12:00‑23:59	Gradual weakening	Snow tapering to 0.5‑1 in, wind speeds dropping below 20 mph.
Jan 27	00:00‑06:00	Cleanup phase	Residual snow drifts,potential isolated ice patches,temperatures rising above 30 °F.

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Snowfall & Ice Accumulation Details

• Snow totals: 7‑12 in across the metro area, with higher pockets (up to 15 in) in elevated neighborhoods such as the Highlands and St. Matthews.
• Ice threat: Up to 0.3 in of freezing rain on Jan 26, especially along the I‑64 corridor where the temperature hover near the freezing point.
• Snow density: Wet, heavy snow (snow water equivalent ~0.15 in per inch) will increase roof loads and make plowing more challenging.

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Arctic Winds & Wind Chill Impact

• Peak gusts: 60 mph recorded near the Ohio River bridge, creating dangerous wind‑blown snow conditions.
• wind chill: Expect values between –30 °F and –45 °F on Jan 25‑26, a classic “Arctic blast” scenario.
• Consequences: Increased risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and power line damage; trees and signage more likely to be downed.

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Travel & Transportation Advisory

1. Road closures:

• I‑64 and I‑71 expected to experience intermittent closures due to snowdrifts and ice.
• Local routes (Baxter‑Bourbon,Frankfort Avenue) may be restricted after 6 a.m.Jan 25.

2. Public transit:

• TARC bus routes 4, 5, and 6 operating on a reduced schedule; expect delays of 15‑30 minutes.
• Airport (SDF) likely to limit departures/arrivals after 8 a.m. Jan 25, with possible ground stop until conditions improve.

3. Travel tips:

• Allow extra 30‑60 minutes for commuting.
• Keep fuel tanks at least half full; generators may be needed for prolonged power outages.

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Safety Tips for Residents

• Before the storm:
• Stock up on non‑perishable food, water (1 gal per person per day), and prescription meds for at least 72 hours.
• Charge all electronic devices and keep a portable power bank on hand.

• During the storm:
• Limit travel to emergencies only; avoid walking on icy sidewalks without proper footwear.
• Monitor wind chill alerts; dress in layers, covering exposed skin.

• After the storm:
• Check for frozen pipes before turning on water; use a slow drip if temperatures remain below 32 °F.
• Report downed power lines to Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) at 800‑555‑POWER.

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School & Business Closures

Institution	Closure Status	Reason
Jefferson County Public Schools	Closed Jan 25‑26	Safety concerns from snow/ice and transportation disruptions.
University of Louisville	Limited campus services Jan 25‑26	Snow removal priority and faculty‑staff safety.
Major retailers (e.g., Walmart, Target)	Reduced hours Jan 25‑26	Employee safety and inventory access constraints.
Local government offices	Closed Jan 25	Official emergency declaration by Mayor Craig Greenberg.

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Emergency Services & Power Outage Outlook

• LG&E: Anticipates up to 2,500 customers without power on jan 25‑26, primarily in the Old Port and West End districts. Restoration crews will work 24/7 with priority for hospitals and emergency shelters.
• Louisville Police & Fire: Deploying additional units for snow‑related accidents; expect increased calls for roadside assistance and carbon monoxide alarms.

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Real‑World Example: Recent Louisville Storm Response (Jan 24‑25, 2024)

• Situation: A comparable winter system produced 9 in of snow and wind gusts of 55 mph across the city.
• Response:

1. City declared a “snow emergency” within 2 hours of the first snowfall.
2. Mobilized 150 snow‑plow units and 30 salt trucks, clearing primary arteries within 8 hours.
3. Distributed emergency shelter kits to three community centers, assisting over 400 residents.
4. Outcome: No reported fatalities, and power was restored to 90% of affected customers within 24 hours.

Lessons learned: Early declaration of emergency status, rapid mobilization of snow‑removal assets, and community shelter coordination dramatically reduce risk during high‑impact winter events.

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Planning Checklist (Numbered)

1. Secure outdoor items – Bring in patios, grills, and loose debris that could become projectiles in strong winds.
2. Insulate pipes – Wrap vulnerable plumbing with foam sleeves; open cabinet doors to allow warm air circulation.
3. check heating system – Service furnace or heat pump before the storm; keep a backup space heater with safety certifications.
4. Create an emergency kit – Include flashlights, batteries, a first‑aid kit, blankets, and a battery‑operated NOAA weather radio.
5. Plan for pets – Ensure animals have warm shelter and sufficient food; keep leashes and carriers handy for evacuation.
6. communicate your plan – Share your storm strategy with family members and neighbors; establish a meeting point if power fails.

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Community Resources

• Louisville Weather Center (NWS) – real‑time updates at weather.gov/louisville.
• LG&E Outage Map – Interactive map available at lge.com/outage.
• Louisville Emergency Management agency – Shelter locations and assistance programs at louisville.gov/emergency.
• Local non‑profits (e.g., Red cross Louisville) – Offer free warming centers and food distribution points during the storm.

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