It’s Impossible To Forget These 9 Horrific Winter Storms That Have Gone Down In Kentucky History
The Bluegrass State is a mild and easygoing place, offering residents a slower pace of life and congenial Southern experience. This extends to our weather, too; while we experience all four seasons here in Kentucky, they are generally not too extreme in terms of storms and temperatures. But there are some exceptions, as you’ll see in the following list of nine horrific winter storms in Kentucky. Take a look and let us know if you remember any of these epic events.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The Blizzard of '94 was one for the books. This storm set a single-day snowfall record for Louisville of more than 15 inches, and an all-time low temperature record of -22 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter storm effectively shut down Louisville as the city worked to dig out amid the icy temperatures and unfavorable conditions.
The Bluegrass State is no stranger to ice storms, as we often get a "wintry mix" of precipitation when temperatures aren't *quite* cold enough for only snow. In 1951, ice spread its slippery grip across much of the Midwest and South, shutting down transportation and numerous roads in Kentucky. The conditions were so treacherous, in fact, that bulldozers were brought in to help clear the roads, though they didn't make much of a difference.
Here in Kentucky, we experience what's referred to as a "false spring" each year. It's exactly how it sounds: a period of beautiful, mild temps that fool us (and our foliage) every time. The spring of 2007 was no different; following a warm streak that had temperatures in the 70s and 80s, we woke up on Easter morning to temperatures in the 20s and 30s... and a dusting of snow in our yards. Talk about confusing the Easter Bunny...
The Snowstorm of 1998 is one most of you likely remember. In February 1998, a massive winter storm led to major power outages across Louisville and much of Kentucky, dumping over two feet of powder in the process.
While we often dream of a White Christmas here in Kentucky, the Christmas Snowstorm of 2004 is not what we'd ever wish for. The snow in this weather system fell at a rate of four inches per hour, with some drifts measured as high as five feet. This storm threw a major wrench in holiday air and automobile travel, affecting countless families across the state.
Long-time residents are likely still talking about the infamous Blizzard of 1978. This storm capped off a frigid January (one of the coldest on record) to start off the New Year in 1978. When all was said and done, the blizzard left Louisville blanketed beneath 15.7 inches of snow -- a new record for this Southern city.
Reports of an inch in ice accumulations along Interstate 64 were part of this unforgiving winter weather system that slammed sheets of freezing rain and ice across Kentucky as temperatures plummeted into the 20s.
What started as an innocuous wintry mix in 2009 eventually caused the biggest power outage in Kentucky history, leaving upwards of 609,000 homes and businesses without power across the state. In the greater Louisville area alone, it took more than a week to restore power to the nearly 205,000 residents who'd lost it.
After a "false spring" start in March of 1996, the west-central part of Kentucky was pummeled with nearly a foot of snow. Much of that was heavy and wet, leading to downed power lines, widespread outages, and countless accidents.
Wondering what to expect during the winter in Kentucky? We like to follow the Old Farmers’ Almanac, which has a pretty good success rate at accurately forecasting Kentucky winters.
Address: Kentucky, USA
