A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from early Saturday morning through Monday morning due to a potentially significant winter storm that is headed toward the Louisville metro area this weekend. Widespread snowfall totals between 6 and 12 inches are predicted by forecast models, with some scenarios indicating nearly a foot of snow if the storm’s trajectory is maintained.
Although precise totals are still a few days away, meteorologists say there is increasing confidence that Louisville will be close to the storm’s heaviest snow band. The accumulation numbers throughout the area could be drastically altered by even slight changes in the storm’s path, either north or south.
What to Expect
As of midweek forecasts, the current timeline looks like this:
- Saturday midday to early afternoon: Light snow begins to develop
- Saturday night into early Sunday: Moderate to heavy snow likely
- Sunday morning to early afternoon: Snow may mix with sleet or freezing rain in some areas
- Sunday late afternoon to evening: Wintry precipitation tapers off and ends
Arctic air will already be in place, which raises additional concerns. With overnight lows falling into the single digits and possibly below zero early next week, high temperatures on Saturday may struggle to reach the 20s. Snow and ice may remain on roads for days due to those extended cold temperatures.
Impacts and Concerns
Forecasters stress that this storm has the potential to be disruptive regardless of final totals.
- Roads could become extremely hazardous
- Travel delays are likely
- Power outages are possible due to heavy snow and ice
- Bitter cold increases risks for vulnerable populations
Louisville Gets Ready for several inches of snow
Preparations are already in progress throughout the city. According to city officials, Louisville Metro snow crews are prepared for about 10 inches of snow and are on standby. In addition to using specific brine additives made to function at lower temperatures, the city has ordered an extra 500 tons of salt.
Metro Transportation Director Bill Bell stated to WAVE3 News, “We will have the streets as clear as possible for everyone’s safety this weekend.”
Demand is also rising for local businesses. Rock salt, shovels, and snow supplies are selling well at hardware stores, and managers advise locals not to wait until the last minute.
St. John Center has been authorized as an emergency shelter, according to Metro Codes & Regulations officials. As circumstances change, more shelter locations will be added to the city’s Snow Resource Page.
Forecasters stress that the situation is still changing and that updates are anticipated in the next 24 to 48 hours as new information becomes available.
This article appears in Jan 1-31, 2026.