The Bluegrass State is a mild and easygoing place, offering residents a slower pace of life and a 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 epic Kentucky snowstorms! If you do, don’t forget to tell us your amazing stories of survival (or maybe even just boredom while snowed/iced in) in the comments!

 

1. Kentucky Blizzard of January 1994

w.marsh/Flickr
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.

2. The "Great Ice Storm" of 1951

Robert Mattheu/Flickr
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. The Great Ice Storm of 1951 will never be forgotten in ANY of the states it affected.

3. The "Easter Freeze" of 2007

mcfarlandmo/Flickr
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... there's nothing like a nice, frigid Easter Freeze to wake up to like we did then.

4. The Snowstorm of February 1998

R. N. Dominick/Flickr
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. This was one mean snowstorm in Kentucky that just about everyone remembers.

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5. The "Christmas Snowstorm" of 2004

Jamie Smed/Flickr
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.

6. The Blizzard of 1978

Jackson's Orchard/Flickr
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.

7. The "Bluegrass Ice Storm" of 2003

Sarah Altendorf/Flickr
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. This ice storm in Kentucky was a rough one, but we're tough as nails and still got through.

8. The "Ohio Valley Ice Storm" of 2009

5chw4r7z/Flickr
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.
9. The Snowstorm of March 1996
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
After a "false spring" 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. This incredible historic winter storm in KY is one of the most memorable of all time.

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. Once you know what to expect, take a look at our list of winter packing essentials so you can be prepared for any travels during the season.

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Kentucky Ice Storms

Tori Jane | November 16, 2022
  1. What are some memorable Kentucky ice storms?  


Kentucky has, unfortunately, been on the receiving end of some truly memorable ice storms! Some of the most notable Kentucky ice storms throughout history are:  

 

If anyone from Kentucky says they don’t go through these thoughts and feelings during one of our amazing storms, they’re probably not being honest.   

2. How severe was the Louisville ice storm in 2009?  

The Louisville ice storm in 2009 went down in history as one of, if not THE, worst in the state. Unrelenting and terrifying, this beast of a storm coated the entire city with at least one inch of ice (two inches in parts of west-central KY). Other frightening aspects of the storm included:  

  • Thousands of residents were left without power for days on end – it was the largest Kentucky power outage on record 
  • An extra three to six inches of snow on top of the ice 
  • Twenty-four lives lost 

 

3. How common are ice storms in KY?  

Ice storms in KY are not at all unheard of. This region of the United States, thanks to its location and the seasonal patterns that exist here, is prone to ice storms. Unfortunately, other than stocking up on food, water, and other necessities, there isn’t much one can do about it – other than survive, which, with preparation, is absolutely doable.  

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