FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today, after declaring a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Winter Storm Blair, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on the state’s ongoing emergency response.
The Governor urged as many Kentuckians as possible to stay off roadways – especially today – to give transportation and utility workers the best opportunity to clear roads and restore power before extremely cold temperatures arrive tomorrow.
“The good news is we are not aware of any major injuries thus far. We also haven’t had any reports that we’ve lost anybody right now. And for a state that’s been through tornadoes, flooding, polar plunges and so much more, we were ready for this. So, thanks to everyone out there doing their part – like our media and meteorologists and a lot of others,” Gov. Beshear said. “We had a lot of prep time, but there is still a lot of work to do. And the best thing people can do is stay home, stay safe.”
The Governor continues to thank all the emergency response, transportation and utility personnel, and Kentucky National Guard members who left their families to help others during the storm.
Key Weather Updates
- Still in the midst of a very significant winter weather event.
- Had 6 to 8 inches of snow followed by at least half an inch of ice across many parts of Kentucky, more than was originally expected.
- A half-inch of ice can and has brought down tree limbs and power lines.
- About 93,400 people without power, but the number is constantly fluctuating.
- Local utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
- Expect another 1-to-3 inches of snow today across much of the state.
- While about 2,300 Transportation Cabinet staff are working to clear the roadways, the level of ice means almost every single road is icy.
- Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
- Please do not call 911 for road conditions. Those lines need to remain open for emergency calls.
- Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected today, which makes repairing utility lines dangerous.
“The bottom line is – we’ve got one day to try to get power back to as many Kentuckians as possible before the wind chill gets down close to zero,” said Gov. Beshear.
State highway crews continue to clear roads ranging from wet or slushy along Kentucky’s southern borders to snow-packed along the I-64 central corridor and northern river counties.
“While we’ve made progress, this storm’s not over, and our hard-working crews remain out in force to keep roads passable for all Kentuckians as we expect more snow today,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “They’re doing a great job, and you may see bare pavement, but please don’t let your guard down – it’s icy and slick, and the best way to stay safe is to stay home. If you must be out, make sure to slow down, buckle up and leave a safe space between other vehicles.”
Warming Centers
Counties with the most power outages have warming centers open. Those include Anderson, Bullitt, Clark, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Henderson, Johnson, Meade, Spencer and Union. This list is subject to change, and Kentuckians in need may contact their local emergency manager for further assistance.
“We’re working with local officials to get the word out to those who have lost power and have medical devices that need to run. We need those folks to be moving toward a warming center,” Gov. Beshear said. “If you don’t have power by midday today – you need to be looking at finding a warming center or location that has power.”
Director of Kentucky Emergency Management Eric Gibson, addressing Kentuckians seeking a warming shelter, said, “If you are in need of assistance, know that your first call would be to your local emergency management official. They’re working very long hours to make sure your community is safe, and they are working hand in hand with your judge executive and your local police and sheriff’s departments. If you need additional information, please contact us we will do our very best to provide the information and help you need.”
On Saturday, the Governor activated units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers also prepared to act, and local emergency management officials worked to open needed warming centers. The Governor also activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov. To read more about the state of emergency, click here.
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the emotional distress of compounding traumatic weather events, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
