Gov. Beshear announces 10 confirmed storm-related deaths in Kentucky
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear said at least 10 people in Kentucky have died as a result of severe winter weather as dangerously cold temperatures continue across the state.
Beshear provided the update Tuesday during a briefing on the state’s response to the winter storm, warning residents that extreme cold and hazardous conditions will persist through the week.
“We are still experiencing dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills,” Beshear said, urging Kentuckians to stay indoors as much as possible and limit outdoor exposure. He said even brief time outside can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.
The confirmed storm-related deaths include:
- A 68-year-old man in Daviess County
- A 79-year-old man in Graves County
- A 55-year-old man in Jefferson County
- A 64-year-old man in Johnson County
- Two 71-year-old men in Johnson County
- A 48-year-old man in Morgan County
- A 78-year-old man in Owen County
- A 62-year-old man in Pulaski County
- A 72-year-old woman in Whitley County
Beshear said the families of those who died will receive assistance from the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund to help cover funeral expenses.
State highway crews continue clearing roadways, though officials warn that refreezing and black ice remain a significant hazard. Since Friday, plow crews have logged more than 741,000 miles. Interstates are largely clear, while some secondary roads and parkways remain partially covered.
Power outages have dropped significantly since the weekend, with about 12,600 outages reported as of Tuesday afternoon. More than 100 warming centers remain open statewide, sheltering hundreds of residents affected by outages.
Beshear said Kentucky has submitted initial paperwork to begin joint damage assessments with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and he believes the storm meets the threshold for federal assistance.
The governor also reminded residents that a state of emergency remains in effect, along with price-gouging protections. He urged motorists to slow down, carry emergency supplies and avoid unnecessary travel.
State agencies, the Kentucky National Guard and the Kentucky State Police continue to assist with road operations, wellness checks, emergency response and resource distribution as the winter weather persists.
