LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Time is winding down before the winter storm makes its impact on the state. A big concern is the dangerous roads conditions it could create.
What You Need To Know
- Metro Louisville leaders gathered to share their plans and tips ahead of the storm
- Drivers are encouraged to stay off roads so they can be treated and to prevent accidents
- Power outages and downed trees are possible
- The storm could create significant amounts of ice, freezing rain and snow
“It’s spreading over a 2,000 mile long part of the country. It has created a mess of ice and snow from Texas to the Northeast,” Fischer said.
John Gordon with the National Weather Service said freezing rain could lead to power outages, tree damage and treacherous travel conditions Thursday into Friday morning.
City leaders are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.
Crews have spent the past few days restocking salt domes and preparing equipment as the storm heads into the area.
“They will continue working around the city, our snow team, and around the clock. While we’re sleeping, they are working for as long as necessary to keep our roadways as safe as we possibly can,” Fischer said.
Metro Public Works director Vannessa Burns says the rain has adjusted the road treatment routine.
“Normally we would be doing brining before we couldn’t do it because it would have been a waste of money and time,” said Burns.
However, the rain will help with things later.
“We’re going to have rain before it starts freezing, so that will give us an opportunity to start putting down materials,” said Burns.
As crews work to treat roads, officials encourage drivers to stay off of them as much as possible.
“Employers, please give your employees as much flexibility as you can, including the opportunity to work from home if possible. We certainly realize not everybody can work from home but the fewer cars that are on the road, especially while snow or freezing rain is falling, the fewer potential accidents,” says Fischer.
JCPS schools will shift to NTI Thursday. It is likely schools will remain closed through Friday. Officials said they’ll make that decision after assessing conditions Thursday.
Because of the weather, LMPD will only respond to motor vehicle collisions when there is a report of injuries or there is a blocked roadway.
Motorists in accidents with no injuries should exchange information and file a report online.