Snow is possible in Louisville on Monday. Here's what you can expect

Ayana Archie and Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal

A snow system forecast to blanket many southern and eastern Kentucky counties Sunday is expected to miss Louisville, according to the National Weather Service.

A little more than a week after the first snowfall of the year hit Louisville and surrounding areas, Sunday's snow storm is expected to stay southeast of a line between Bowling Green and Lexington.

"It’s going to be a pretty sharp cutoff," said NWS meteorologist Brian Schoettmer, noting counties north of this line will see little to no snow Sunday.

Counties surrounding Jefferson, including Spencer and Shelby, could see light accumulations of up to an inch, he said.

Compared to the snow that fell across the state in early January, Sunday's snow will be wetter and heavier, placing strain on roofs, trees and other surfaces.

Affected areas are forecast to receive an average of 4 to 6 inches of snow, though some spots could see up to 8 inches, Schoettmer said.

The heaviest accumulations are forecast along and east of a line between the Lake Cumberland region through the Interstate 75 corridor.

Areas along the Kentucky-Tennessee state line saw a light glaze of icing Sunday morning with occasional sleet.

As the system moves deeper into Kentucky and the afternoon stretches on, precipitation will shift to snow. Mid-afternoon through evening will bring the heaviest periods of snowfall, Schoettmer said.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews and its contractors reported to various county maintenance facilities early Sunday to load salt and equipment and start patrolling, according to a news release.

The system is expected to clear the state between midnight and the pre-dawn hours Monday, he added.

Monday snowfall

Though Louisville isn't forecast to receive Sunday snow, Schoettmer said, a second system will sweep through Jefferson County early Monday morning, hitting around dawn.

"Spotty" snow showers are expected to drop no more than a half inch in the Louisville area during the Monday morning holiday commute.

"We want people to definitely pay attention on the morning commute tomorrow," he said.

Kentucky weather: Where and when Kentucky can expect snow over the holiday weekend

Here is how the city is preparing:

Will the roads be treated?

Metro Public Works spokesperson Sal Melendez said the Snow Team would be fully dispatched depending on the forecast.

"Crews from Public Works will be monitoring conditions throughout the night and treat priority routes (bridges, overpasses, elevated/hilly roadways as needed," he said.

Is the airport canceling flights?

Flight cancellations and delays are based on the discretion of individual airlines, so travelers are urged to visit those airlines' websites directly. The airport website also has information on flight updates, however it does not update as quickly as airlines' feeds, said Natalie Chaudoin, the director of public relations for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.

The airport's snow response will begin at 2 a.m. Saturday, she added.

The airport issued an advisory to travelers midday Sunday to check their flight status before getting to the airport, citing winter weather affecting multiple eastern U.S. airports.

Louisville weather: Louisville could see a significant snow this weekend. Here's the latest forecast

Are homeless shelters open?

Operation White Flag, which goes into effect any time the wind chill dips below 35 degrees, will be in place Friday. The following shelters are participating:

  • Wayside Christian Mission is located at 432 E. Jefferson St. During White Flag, those staying overnight do not have to leave during the day. Their number is 502-742-7019.

  • St. Vincent de Paul, 1034 S. Jackson St., is a men's only shelter. Call 502-584-2480 ext. 241 for more info. White Flag check-in is at 6:00 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome at any time. Check-out the following day is at 6 a.m.

  • Salvation Army Center, 911 S. Brook St., is a day shelter only. They can be reached at 502-671-4904.

For more emergency shelter, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/homeless-services-division/emergency-shelter-options.

Emergency shelter beds can be reserved by calling Single Point of Entry at 502-637-2337 from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. seven days a week or by visiting the Ollie Green II Building,1300 South 4th Street, Suite 250.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville weather: What to know about snow in weekend forecast

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