Beshear: Power outages drop below 48,000 as winter storm recovery continues

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear said power outages across Kentucky have dropped below 48,000 as crews continue responding to a winter storm system that brought snow, sleet and ice statewide, while urging residents to remain off roadways as dangerously cold temperatures persist.

Beshear, joined Monday by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson, said the storm impacted every county in the commonwealth and recovery efforts will take time.

“This storm blanketed Kentucky with snow, sleet and ice for 36 hours straight, and now dangerously low temperatures will continue,” Beshear said. “While precipitation has moved out, Kentuckians should remain alert, avoid travel and stay indoors as much as possible.”

As of 9 a.m. EST, officials reported 47,123 power outages statewide, down from a peak of more than 73,000. Beshear urged residents without power to seek shelter at one of 137 warming centers operating across the state. Locations can be found at Kentucky Emergency Management | Kentucky Emergency Management Division.

Several Kentucky State Parks are also serving as warming centers, including facilities at Blue Licks Battlefield, Buckhorn Lake, Carter Caves, General Butler, Greenbo Lake, Jenny Wiley, Kentucky Dam Village, Kincaid Lake, My Old Kentucky Home, Natural Bridge and Rough River Dam state resort parks.

Beshear said road conditions remain hazardous, with wind chills expected to reach minus 20 degrees in parts of the state. Prolonged exposure to those temperatures could lead to hypothermia or frostbite in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Residents were urged to limit time outdoors and bring pets inside.

Northern Kentucky received up to 12 inches of snow, while central areas saw 4 to 6 inches. Ice accumulation was higher than expected and caused the most significant impacts, including widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Allen, Barren, Monroe and Pulaski counties were among the hardest hit.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said nonessential travel is not advised. Nearly 1,500 snowplows and 12 heavy-duty wreckers remain in service statewide as crews focus on interstates, parkways and high-volume routes. Extreme cold is reducing the effectiveness of road treatments, and conditions may refreeze quickly.

All Kentucky driver licensing regional offices are closed Monday due to weather.

The Kentucky National Guard has personnel stationed at 53 armories, with 17 debris-removal teams deployed. Kentucky State Police reported responding to 4,863 storm-related calls for service, conducting 327 wellness checks and assisting 413 motorists.

Officials also reported widespread impacts to water systems, with hundreds under boil water advisories or limited operations. Several hundred residents are currently sheltered at warming centers, and evacuations have taken place in parts of the state.

Beshear declared a state of emergency Friday, activating state resources and price-gouging protections. Federal emergency assistance has been approved to support state response efforts.

Residents with non-life-threatening needs are encouraged to complete the Rapid Needs Assessment at kyem.ky.gov or call 502-607-6665. Emergency situations should be reported to 911.