Another winter storm has come to Kentucky and this one brings with it icy conditions. Lexington’s city offices were closed Thursday. Mayor Linda Gorton said public safety and emergency personnel are at the ready. She had straightforward advice for Lexingtonians.
“Our message is very simple…in an ice storm, if you can stay home and stay off the roads we ask that you please do that,” said Gorton.
Lexington Streets and Road Director Rob Allen said snowplows can’t drive on icy roads.
Tim Brandiwie is with Lexington Emergency Management. He said a revised forecast scaled back ice accumulations a bit, but power outages are still in the cards.
“Now our threshold for concern about the integrity of power lines and tree limbs is about a quarter of an inch, so either way, anything between one-quarter of an inch and a half an inch of ice accumulation will be a threat to the power grid,” said Brandiwie.
Brandiwie noted the precipitation is anticipated to end late morning Friday.
Kentucky Utilities’ David Freibert said 600 personnel, including some contracted workers, are available to tackle power outages in KU’s territory. He said it’s difficult to predict with any certainty repair times because of weather conditions and safety precautions.
Lexington Commissioner of Housing Advocacy and Community Development Charlie Lanter said a major emphasis is being placed on locating the homeless and transporting them to shelters with bitter temperatures expected.
Editor's Note-Kentucky Utilities is a financial contributor to Weku.
