As Louisville faces an additional 1–3 inches of snow Monday, snowplow crews are working tirelessly to clear roadways before an impending deep freeze. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) noted that cold temperatures expected Tuesday through Thursday could inhibit the effectiveness of road salt and further solidify ice on untreated surfaces.
KYTC issued a plea Monday morning for drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. “Please don’t let any bare pavement tempt you,” the agency wrote on Facebook. “Ice remains a real issue on roads, especially mid-state and northward due to freezing rain and packed snow.”
Crews are addressing debris and fallen power lines brought down by ice accumulations, while reminding drivers to treat malfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops.
Residents can track Louisville’s snowplow progress in real-time using the Metro Snow Routes map at this website, which shows which roads have been plowed or salted.
The National Weather Service in Louisville (@NWSLouisville) warned of “very cold temperatures” lingering through the week, with lows potentially dropping below zero in areas with snow cover, particularly Wednesday into Thursday.
In preparation, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Saturday, January 4. The declaration frees up resources to assist in storm response and recovery efforts. “If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” officials emphasized, advising residents to carry winter storm kits that include blankets, water, a flashlight, tire chains, and other essentials.
According to officials, the focus remains on clearing major routes before temperatures drop further, with efforts continuing Monday afternoon and evening. Frigid conditions will make clean-up operations more difficult, officials say, potentially extending hazardous road conditions through midweek.
“Between the ice, snow and extreme cold, we urge everyone to avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe,” said Gordon, a spokesperson for local snowplow operations.
As the winter storm progresses, residents are encouraged to stay updated through reliable sources, including the National Weather Service and KYTC.
This article appears in Dec 18, 2024 – Jan 16, 2025.