Kentucky Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm

The storm could cause widespread power outages, and freezing temperatures will persist throughout the week.

(Frankfort, Ky.) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of a severe winter storm system set to affect much of the commonwealth. The storm is expected to begin Sunday, Jan. 5, and bring snow, freezing rain, ice and arctic temperatures.

The storm could cause widespread power outages, and freezing temperatures will persist throughout the week, making roads treacherous.

The Governor is taking action by activating units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers are also preparing to act, and local emergency management officials are working 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.

“This winter storm will likely cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roads and could cause significant power outages – just 24 hours before it gets dangerously cold,” Gov. Beshear said. “We care about every Kentucky family and those traveling through our great state, and we want to make sure everyone has the information and resources needed to stay safe.”

The Governor’s executive order directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the state’s response across agencies and private relief organizations.

“The state emergency operations center will be activated tonight at midnight and will stay open for the duration of this event,” Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said. “During that time, we’ll have state agencies from across the commonwealth and the representatives there to coordinate their response.”

Director Gibson also urged Kentuckians to be careful if using a generator. Many households run generators during a power outage, and homeowners should take extra precautions to avoid injury. Gasoline- or diesel fuel-powered generators can produce potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide and should be operated only in well-ventilated, covered, unheated areas – never inside.

Team Kentucky state highway crews have been monitoring weather conditions, prepping equipment to clear snow and debris, and began some pretreating activities as early as Thursday in parts of the state where conditions allowed. Kentuckians are urged to avoid nonessential travel and to plan extra time for their Monday morning commute if they must travel.

“This winter storm is serious, and the extreme cold we’re facing days afterward will make travel more hazardous and impact the speed of even our best road treatments, especially after dark,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray. “Our focus is to keep priority routes open, like interstates and parkways, before moving to other routes. Our force of state and contracted crews are ready and will be active. Motorists should exercise caution if they must be on the roads by driving distraction-free and slowing down.”

As part of the emergency declaration, Secretary Gray issued an official order aimed at maintaining supplies of propane, fuel, oil and kerosene. Among the provisions, the order temporarily suspends certain drive time and weigh station restrictions on motor carriers engaged in transporting emergency relief supplies or involved in power restoration activities.

KYTC offers the following tips for drivers:

• Give plows plenty of space on the roads, and increase your distance between you and the car ahead of you.
• Avoid unessential travel. If returning to Kentucky from a holiday trip, travel today or make alternate plans.
• If travel can’t be avoided, make sure you have an emergency car kit to keep yourself and other passengers safe for long hours.
• Remember, roads often aren’t clear until after a storm passes, and bridges/overpasses freeze faster than roads.
• Drive alert and slow down.
• Treat dark traffic signals as a four-way stop.
• Do not touch or drive over downed power lines.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.