LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A winter storm is moving across the U.S., bringing blizzard conditions and canceling thousands of flights. Louisville will likely be affected beyond just cold temperatures, as the city’s mayor gave an update on how residents can help.

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville Metro Public Works' Snow Team has been preparing since October. Once temperatures drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, the city transitions to calcium chloride to break down ice and turn it into snow 

  • Eight Neighborhood Place locations, 14 community centers and 17 branches of Louisville's Free Public Library will operate as warming centers during their regular business hours 

  • Louisville Metro Animal Services will hand out free straws to Jefferson County residents to help keep their pets warm 

“It is going to be dangerously cold," said Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville. "Everyone should limit their time outdoors and take this weather extremely seriously.

“Keeping our roads safe during extreme weather is critically important. We want everyone in Louisville to be able to get to work, doctor's appointments and grocery stores to do what they need to do as safely as possible.” 

Jennifer Caummisar-Kern, Louisville Metro Public Works director, said the city's Snow Team has been preparing for these conditions since October. With 38,000 tons of salt on hand, once temperatures drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, the city transitions to calcium chloride to break down ice and turn it into slush. 

“If you do not need to be out, please stay home," Caummisar-Kern said. "If you do need to leave your home and be on our road, please allow plenty of time. Snow plows don't go very fast, so if one is in front of you, please leave some room and also allow additional time if you are out.”

As the cold weather continues, Operation White Flag is in effect to ensure the homeless have adequate shelter and housing conditions. Multiple outreach staff are helping provide transportation to shelters, said Jon Pilbean, homeless encampment supervisor for the Homeless Services Division of Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services.

For those needing to get out of the extreme cold, there are eight Neighborhood Place locations, 14 community centers and 17 branches of the Free Public Library throughout Louisville that operate as warming centers during their regular business hours.

Greenberg added he encourages residents to keep pets inside as much as possible. To help keep pets warm, Louisville Metro Animal Services will hand out free straws to Jefferson County residents. 

The Louisville Fire Department also shared some reminders, including keeping a 3-foot radius around space heaters and being cognizant of objects that could catch on fire. 

According to the city, suggested items to keep inside vehicles include:

  • Jumper cables
  • Ice scrapers
  • Car phone chargers
  • Cat litter or sand 

The city also recommended keeping the following items at home: 

  • Flashlights
  • First-aid kits
  • Batteries
  • Water
  • Food
  • Prescription medications 

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