Governor Beshear warns of rising power outages, hazardous travel across Kentucky
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Andy Beshear urged residents to stay off the roads and prepare for worsening conditions as a winter storm system continued to impact Kentucky, bringing snow, sleet and ice across much of the state.
Beshear was joined Sunday by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson to provide an update on the state’s response. The governor said ice accumulation has become the primary concern, with dangerously cold temperatures expected to follow.
Power outages climbed to more than 50,000 as of the 10 a.m. update and were expected to increase throughout the day, Beshear said. The state has opened 113 warming centers across the commonwealth for residents without power. Several Kentucky State Parks have been designated as warming stations, and officials urged caution when traveling to park locations due to hazardous conditions.
Precipitation began Saturday and continued overnight, with winter weather expected to persist into early Monday morning.
Beshear said ice accumulations have exceeded expectations in some areas, with up to a quarter inch possible from Bowling Green through central and eastern Kentucky.
State highway and contracted crews continued plowing and treating roadways, but officials warned conditions have deteriorated and are expected to worsen as freezing rain continues. Nearly 1,500 plow trucks remain in operation, though travel is expected to remain hazardous throughout the week.
Gray warned that even when snow is not visibly falling, ice poses a serious threat to drivers and urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
The Kentucky National Guard has deployed personnel to armories in 42 counties to assist with wellness checks and potential transports related to power outages.
Beshear declared a state of emergency Friday, activating state resources and the Emergency Operations Center. He also implemented price gouging protections and said residents can report violations to the attorney general’s office. On Saturday, Beshear announced that President Donald Trump approved an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky, making federal assistance available.
The governor also warned residents about a phishing email impersonating the Tennessee Valley Authority and advised recipients not to click on any links or respond.
Residents were reminded to take precautions while shoveling snow and to call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. Non-emergency needs can be reported through the state’s Rapid Needs Assessment system.
