Jan. 15--Get out the gloves, toboggan and the big winter coat, because by the end of the day, you're going to be able to count the Fahrenheit degrees on one hand. Scratch that -- one finger.

A cold wind started blowing Wednesday night, and with it, temperatures began tumbling downward. Skies may be clear today, but that sunshine isn't expected to help much, with highs forecasted only around 11 degrees. By tonight, the low is likely to be around zero with a 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Such great lows bring trouble.

"School officials have been monitoring the forecast and will make decisions accordingly" on delays or closings, said David Rarick, director of safety and public information officer at New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corp.

"As a practice, our safety team examines various factors such as wind-chill, snow and ice potential," he said. "Also, we gather information from the National Weather Service and consult local experts.

"For the time being teachers and principals have reminded our students that it is necessary to dress accordingly, wearing layers.

"Lastly, our administrative team is aware of the situation and will be responsive to all student needs," he said.

At Greater Clark County Schools, public relations specialist Erin M. Bojorquez said there is not a specific board policy regarding inclement and cold weather.

"The temperatures will be monitored by our interim-superintendent, Travis Haire, and a decision will be made by 5:30 a.m. tomorrow morning," she said.

Homeowners also should beware, as such cold can become a catalyst for busted pipes.

"You just can't have pipes exposed to frigid temperatures," Don Hughes, one of the owners of Drain Busters, a Jeffersonville plumbing business.

Sometimes, he said, many people don't realize that they even have burst pipes until they begin to thaw and all that trapped water begins to flow.

"Once that thaws, that's when it gets busy," he said.

But as bad as a busted pipe can be, the cold weather is much more dire for those living on the streets.

In these temperatures, "nobody gets turned away and we don't put anyone out," said Barbara Anderson, director of Jeffersonville homeless shelter Haven House.

"I'll go out a couple of times tonight and look for people," she said, noting that homeless can typically be found sleeping under bridges and other areas.

Haven House needs food and toilet paper during such times, as crowds gather to seek shelter from the cold, she said.