Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency due to the forecast of a severe winter storm. The storm is expected to 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 has also activated units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers are also preparing for the storm, 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 commonwealth's price gouging laws.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has offered 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.
Utility crews are already on standby as ice accumulations are expected to cause significant power outages across much of the commonwealth.
The following are precautions suggested for dealing with possible power outages:
- Anyone using oxygen or in-home medical devices that require electricity or medications that must be refrigerated to have a backup plan in case outages occur.
- Check on the elderly and those with children or medical conditions to ensure they have a safety plan in place.
- Charge devices such as phones, laptops, portable chargers and other electronics to stay connected.
- Prepare an emergency kit for cold weather situations. At a minimum include water, blankets, sleeping bags, non-perishable food, a can opener, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, first-aid supplies and necessary
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