Winter Storm Update: National Weather Service Louisville

Winter Storm Update w/ National Weather Service (Louisville)

[00:00] – A.J. Brammer
From the Weather Center, I’m A.J. Brammer. On the phone with me now is Samantha Wilson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Samantha, thank you so much for taking the time.

[00:11] – Samantha Wilson
Absolutely. Thanks for the call.

[00:13] – A.J. Brammer
As we look at conditions right now, how does what we’re seeing compare to what was originally forecast as the storm moved into the area?

[00:27] – Samantha Wilson
So far, everything is moving along just as forecast. Snow began a few hours ago, and we’ve already had reports of up to about an inch and a half across parts of the region, with more on the way. We’ll continue to see light to moderate snowfall through the evening.

Over southern Kentucky, freezing rain will begin moving north from Tennessee. That will cause snow to transition to freezing rain, which falls as rain but freezes immediately when it contacts roads, vehicles, trees, or power lines. That creates extremely slick conditions.

In southern Kentucky, freezing rain could continue through tomorrow, with accumulations approaching three-quarters of an inch or more in some areas. That’s very heavy ice, and we’re expecting power outages across southern Kentucky, including the Lake Cumberland region and into parts of central Kentucky. There will be significant impacts from this.

[01:36] – A.J. Brammer
It also looks like the overall storm track shifted slightly north, putting Elizabethtown out of the heaviest snow band and more into a moderate-to-heavy snow zone, with an increased ice threat.

[01:54] – Samantha Wilson
That’s correct. Over time, the storm track crept north, placing Hardin County and the Elizabethtown area in a transition zone. Snow will be the primary precipitation at first, but at times sleet will mix in. Sleet forms as ice pellets rather than a glaze, but it still creates slick surfaces.

There may also be a trace of freezing rain at times. This makes for a very complex precipitation setup across the Elizabethtown area through the weekend.

[02:33] – A.J. Brammer
As we head into the evening and overnight hours, what should people expect?

[02:41] – Samantha Wilson
We’re expecting heavier precipitation rates this evening and overnight. Snowfall will increase, followed by a transition to sleet or a snow-and-sleet mix in the Elizabethtown area overnight into tomorrow morning.

Road conditions will be hazardous. If churches or events are scheduled for Sunday, we strongly encourage people to consider online options if available. Travel conditions will be treacherous, especially during the morning hours.

[03:12] – A.J. Brammer
Samantha Wilson with the National Weather Service in Louisville. Anything else you’d like to add?

[03:19] – Samantha Wilson
Just stay warm, be careful, and check on your neighbors and family.

[03:26] – A.J. Brammer
We appreciate the work you and everyone at the National Weather Service are doing to keep people informed. Best of luck as the storm continues.

[03:35] – Samantha Wilson
Thank you so much.

[03:36] – A.J. Brammer
That’s Samantha Wilson with the National Weather Service in Louisville. Keep it tuned for more updates. We’ll continue to bring you the latest information as it becomes available. From the Weather Center, I’m A.J. Brammer. Thanks for tuning in.

Winter Storm Update