Louisville, Kentucky – Kentucky remains under an elevated winter weather threat as lingering cold across the Ohio and Tennessee valleys keeps the potential for additional snowstorms high through mid-February, following one of the most widespread winter systems of the season.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across Kentucky are expected to remain below normal for an extended stretch. With cold air firmly in place, any storm system tracking through the Midwest or Mid-South would likely produce snow or mixed winter precipitation, increasing the risk for hazardous travel and disruptions statewide.
The concern follows Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that swept from Texas to Maine and impacted more than two dozen states. Fern delivered significant snowfall across parts of Kentucky, particularly in northern and eastern sections of the state, while sleet and freezing rain created dangerous road conditions farther south. Travel deteriorated quickly along Interstates 64, 65, and 75, with numerous crashes, school disruptions, and delays reported as the storm moved through.
As cold conditions linger, communities from Louisville and Lexington to Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and eastern Appalachian counties could face renewed impacts if similarly strong systems develop. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials warn that repeated snow and ice events can rapidly degrade road conditions, especially during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures remain well below freezing.
Emergency management officials are encouraging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, stocking winter emergency kits, and ensuring vehicles are equipped with blankets, food, and water. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during winter weather and to monitor road conditions closely.
While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the broader pattern supports continued winter threats. Additional advisories and warnings may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the risk for snow and ice likely remaining a persistent concern across Kentucky through mid-February.
