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What are the worst snow storms to hit Louisville? A look at the top 10 biggest systems
The National Weather Service in Louisville is predicting Kentucky and Southern Indiana’s first “significant winter storm” of 2025 to sweep into the area Sunday morning, and active winter storm watches with the possibility for large amounts of precipitation might remind some of past significant storms that have impacted the city.
Here’s a look back at the 10 most significant storms to have hit Louisville, as documented by NWS.
Louisville weather forecast Kentucky winter storm: Snow and ice to move into area Sunday. What to know
January blizzard 1994
A storm that hit Louisville from Jan. 17-19, 1994 set a single-day snowfall record on its first day after dumping more than 15 inches on the city and forcing temperatures all-time low-temperature record of -22 degrees. In Shelbyville, temperatures were recorded as low as -37 degrees.
“Great Ice Storm” of 1951
Ice blanketed much of the commonwealth from Jan. 29-Feb. 2, 1951, shutting down transportation. The roads were so bad that bulldozers were brought in to help clear them, though they didn’t make much of a difference. Kentucky wasn’t alone in suffering from this storm that affected a large swath of the country, from Louisiana to Ohio.
“Easter Freeze” of 2007
Between April 5-10, 2007, Louisville was enjoying an early spring streak of warmth that had temperatures in the 70s and 80s, but things changed quickly over Easter weekend, with temperatures falling into the 20s and 30s. Louisville reported a temperature of 25 degrees on April 7 and the storm cost Kentucky and southern Indiana $130 million in crop damages.
Snowstorm of February 1998
Lasting from Feb. 3-6, 1998, the systsem led to major power outages across the Louisville area as parts of Kentucky got as much as 25 inches of snow. In Louisville, 22.4 inches of snow were recorded.
“Christmas Snowstorm” of 2004
A weather system in December 2004 brought a white Christmas to Kentuckiana and snarled holiday air travel out of Louisville International Airport. At one point, snow fell in the region at a rate of 4 inches per hour, and some snow drifts measured as high as 2-5 feet.
January blizzard of 1978
Capping off a frigid start to 1978 that was eventually marked at one of the top five coldest months ever recorded in Louisville, the January storm brought a then-record 15.7 inches of snow to the region.
“Ohio Valley Ice Storm” of 2009
What started as a wintry mix eventually caused the biggest power outage in Kentucky history, with 609,000 homes and businesses without power across the commonwealth. It took 10 days to fully restore power to all 205,000 customers who lost it in the Louisville area.
“Bluegrass Ice Storm” of 2003
Reports of an inch in ice accumulations along Interstate 64 were part of this winter weather system that drove freezing rain across Kentucky that then became sheets of ice as temperatures fell into the 20s.
Snowstorm of March 1996
The west-central part of Kentucky fared the worst in this storm, recording 10-12 inches of snow. Much of that was heavy and wet, leading to down power lines and widespread outages.
Pre-spring freeze of March 1960
A series of cold bursts and snowstorms made for a late start to spring in 1960. It was at the time the snowiest March on record in Louisville and the third-snowiest month ever in the city. Things changed rapidly at the end of the month, with temperatures jumping into the 80s.
Reporter Mary Ramsey contributed. Contact breaking news reporter Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Winter storms: Top 10 worst weather events in Louisville, KY
Louisville, Kentucky may not be known for its extreme winter weather, but that doesn’t mean the city is immune to powerful snow storms. Over the years, Louisville has experienced some significant snowfall events that have left residents digging out from piles of snow and dealing with treacherous road conditions. Here’s a look at the top 10 worst snow storms to hit Louisville:
1. The Great Blizzard of 1978: This historic storm dumped over 20 inches of snow on Louisville and brought the city to a standstill for days. The heavy snow, combined with strong winds, created massive drifts and made travel nearly impossible.
2. The Winter Storm of 1994: In March of 1994, a powerful winter storm blanketed Louisville with over a foot of snow, causing widespread power outages and shutting down schools and businesses.
3. The Blizzard of 2004: This storm brought over a foot of snow to Louisville in February of 2004, causing major disruptions to transportation and leading to numerous accidents on icy roads.
4. The Snowpocalypse of 2010: In January of 2010, a series of snow storms hit Louisville, dumping a total of over 20 inches of snow on the city and causing chaos for residents trying to navigate the snowy streets.
5. The Polar Vortex of 2014: In January of 2014, Louisville experienced record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snowfall as a result of the polar vortex. The city saw over a foot of snow and dangerous wind chills.
6. The Snowmageddon of 2015: In March of 2015, Louisville was hit by a massive snow storm that brought nearly 20 inches of snow to the city, causing widespread closures and cancellations.
7. The Winter Storm of 2018: In January of 2018, Louisville was hit by a winter storm that dumped over a foot of snow on the city, leading to school closures and hazardous driving conditions.
8. The Blizzard of 2021: In February of 2021, Louisville experienced a blizzard that brought heavy snow and strong winds to the city, leading to widespread power outages and dangerous road conditions.
9. The Snowpocalypse of 2023: In January of 2023, Louisville was hit by a massive snow storm that dumped over 20 inches of snow on the city, causing chaos for residents and leading to numerous accidents.
10. The Winter Storm of 2025: In February of 2025, Louisville was hit by a winter storm that brought over a foot of snow to the city, causing major disruptions to transportation and leading to school closures.
These are just a few examples of the worst snow storms to hit Louisville over the years. While the city may not see extreme winter weather on a regular basis, when a significant snow storm does hit, it can have a major impact on residents and businesses. Stay safe and be prepared for whatever winter weather may come your way in Louisville.
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