Kentucky flood relief crews prepare for incoming winter storm

Crews throughout Kentucky who have been working on flood recovery are preparing for a winter storm. Several inches of snow are expected across much of Kentucky, but the major concern is subfreezing temperatures. Many people have been displaced by the floods, and many are without power.

Eric Gibson is the director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. During a press conference Tuesday morning, he said power is coming back, but there are still concerns.

“But those that have got power restored may not have all of their homes back up in operational order, or they may not have all their heating appliances, or their furnaces have been damp, or their water heaters have been damp, so we know that many of those appliances maybe failed at this point.”

At least 14 people have died due to the severe weather that started over the weekend. The two most recent deaths happened in Jefferson County who officials believe died of hypothermia.

That concern is growing as most of the state is under a winter storm warning.

Subfreezing temperatures and up to possibly 7 inches of snow are expected in much of Kentucky. Gibson said some people are still unaccounted for.

“So as we go through this, we'll start doing those welfare checks. We know that after these events many of you will be concerned about your loved ones and where they're at, if you haven't heard from someone that you think might live in a flood prone area, they're missing, you haven't been able to make contact.”

Shelters and warming centers are being set up across Kentucky.

Office of Governor Andy Beshear

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