Video note: Despite this article’s time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDKY) — The Commonwealth of Kentucky is officially under a state of emergency as a severe winter storm approaches.
On Saturday, Jan. 4, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in preparation for snow, freezing rain, ice, and “arctic temperatures” expected to begin on Sunday, Jan. 5.
According to the governor’s office, the storm could cause widespread power outages, and freezing temperatures are expected to last throughout the week.
“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,” 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.”
In preparation, Kentucky National Guard units and state transportation workers are on standby, and area emergency management officials are working to open warming centers.
Kentucky’s emergency operations center will open at midnight Saturday, and the governor has implemented Kentucky’s price-gouging laws.
In addition, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray issued an official order aimed at maintaining supplies of propane, fuel, oil, and kerosene. This includes temporarily suspending certain drive time and weigh station restrictions for carriers transporting emergency relief supplies or being involved in power restoration activities.
“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.”
Team Kentucky state highway crews have been monitoring weather conditions, preparing equipment to clear snow and debris, and began pretreating roads as early as Thursday, Jan. 2 in parts of the state where conditions allowed. Kentuckians are urged to avoid nonessential travel and to plan extra time for their morning commute on Monday, Jan. 6 if they must travel, per the governor’s office.
“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,” Gray said. “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.”
In the event of a power outage, Kentucky officials urged residents to be cautious when running a generator.
“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,” the governor’s office said.
If you must travel during the storm, KYTC issued the following tips and reminders:
- Give plows plenty of space on the roads, and increase the 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 by following this link. For additional preparedness tips, click here.
Don’t forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app.
