Gov. Beshear Issues State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm

The governor warns residents of dangerous temperatures, road conditions ahead of Christmas holiday weekend; price gouging law implemented.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of an arctic front that is expected to bring a flash freeze and severely cold temperatures to the area.

Rain is expected to change to snow Thursday night. The front is also expected to produce wind gusts of 40 to 50 MPH on Friday and wind chills could reach minus 10 to minus 26 degrees on Saturday.

Impacts include affected travel, broken waterlines, power outages and damage to public infrastructure and private properties.

Gov. Beshear said his administration has been in contact with county officials to help open warming centers for local residents in need, and Kentucky State Parks will also serve as a backup warming centers.

The Governor also asked Kentuckians to make a plan to have a backup heat source in place and to make a vehicle kit. A large priority for the administration is to make sure those sheltering in travel trailers in Eastern Kentucky are safe and warm.

If necessary, Kentucky State Parks is prepared to offer emergency shelter at Jenny Wiley or Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park for those currently in travel trailers. For park updates and closures, Kentuckians can visit parks.ky.gov.

“Flash freeze is a big concern, and it will lead to dangerous road conditions,” Gov. Beshear said. “If you are traveling for Christmas, please plan to arrive at your destination by midday Thursday. After floods, tornadoes, ice storms and everything else we have faced, we don’t want to lose anyone to this weather front. Please make a plan and get prepared, and make a list of people you need to check in on, especially during this Christmas holiday.”

KSP has developed a list of items motorists should place in their vehicles before the weather sets in. This includes a winter weather kit with a cell phone charger, blankets, first-aid kit, jumper cables, windshield scraper, collapsible shovel and a flashlight with extra batteries.

Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates.