LOUISVILLE, Ky. — UPDATE: As of Friday morning, Beshear says just over 24,000 homes are without power across Kentucky. Two Kentuckians have died due to the arctic storm, one in a vehicle accident in western KY and one houseless person in Louisville.
Mayor Greg Fischer held a press conference on Thursday morning to discuss the latest details about the incoming winter storm, as well as how Metro Government is working to keep the community safe.
This comes after Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, allowing use of the National Guard. Troops will be stationed around the commonwealth to assist drivers, and help stranded Kentuckians that lose power at home.
Weather officials say that beginning on Thursday evening, Kentucky will be under a "Winter Weather Advisory" and a "Windchill Warning."
Officials expect a flash freeze followed by an erratically sharp drop in temperatures and then wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph. They added that late Thursday evening and early Friday morning this will lead to temperatures with below zero windchills that'll last throughout the weekend.
Weather officials say that Friday will be the city's "most intense" day in terms of rapidly falling temperatures and high winds.
"It looks like we have a very serious round of weather coming toward us, and potentially very dangerous," Fischer said. "This will be the coldest weather we've experienced in 30 years or so."
The mayor says that the city has been in close contact with Kentucky's Emergency Management Team.
John Gordon, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service, says people are not overhyping this winter storm. He says there is a 100% chance that the arctic blast will come on Thursday night.
Gordon says Kentucky is looking at getting 1 to 3 inches of snow across the state. However, he says snow will not be the star of the storm, rather the frigid temperatures. He stressed that it will get "dangerously cold."
Gordon added that the city will be at below zero windchills until Sunday morning and he is "highly confident" the area won't be above freezing until Tuesday afternoon.
He says we won't have sleet or freezing rain, but we will just go from rain to snow from east to west Thursday night. The transition to snow will be quick. Gordon added that the flash freeze component is prevalent for bridges, overpasses and places that don't drain.
"If you're out there too long, beyond 30 minutes, you are in danger of getting hypothermia. Please take care of yourselves. This is the real deal," he said.
Gordon is stressing that people cover exposed skin and wear multiple layers, if they must go outside, to help protect themselves from frostbite.
Metro leaders are asking people to stay inside until at least Saturday afternoon.
Weather officials say that all of the upcoming winter weather could create slick and dangerous roadways, as well as potentially downed trees, power outages and more.
In terms of travel, Fischer says the Muhammad Ali International Airport has made preparations, doing what it can to ensure runways are safe and open for incoming and outgoing flights.
As for the streets, the mayor explained that the city's snow team will be working around the clock to treat the roads as best as possible for those who are traveling for work or the holidays.
The city will have its usual list of over a dozen warming centers and homeless shelters open, in addition to welcoming people into metro facilities like libraries and community centers during their normal business hours.
If the city has to set up an emergency shelter due to widespread power outages, it will notify people via the LENSAlert.
People can sign up for those and fill out a safety profile by texting "lensalert" to 67283.
For the houseless community or those in need of shelter, please click here for more information.
Visit SnowKY.KY.gov for travel resources including traffic information, priority route maps and winter safety tips. In addition, download the free WAZE app or visit GoKy.KY.gov to check traffic conditions before traveling.
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