Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in preparation for an impending winter storm. Kentucky expects rain, snow, and frigid cold to move in Thursday night and stay through the holiday weekend. As a result, the state activated the Natural Guard and Kentucky Department of Emergency Management. The governor signed an additional executive order to address potential price gouging.
National Weather Service Forecaster Ron Steve warned city officials on a Wednesday afternoon call that Friday’s wind gusts could reach 45 mph with wind chills of minus 25 degrees. He called it a “brutal day.” State officials urged local governments to plan warming centers for people without power. The state is offering emergency assistance at 17 state parks.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet deployed 1,365 plow trucks. However, Secretary Jim Gray warned that pretreating roads with brine is not an option as rain is expected before the snow. “This artic front by all indications presents significant hazards,” he stated. “We are urging everyone to stay weather alert.”
The Cabinet provides travel resources and information on a website, snowky.ky.gov.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commissioner Phillip Burnett said the department would increase patrols to look for stranded vehicles. He asked anyone who sees a stranded driver to call 800.222.5555.
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