Kentucky braces for major winter storm as Beshear declares State of Emergency
– 3 min read
The National Weather Service is predicting widespread snowfall and ice across the state. Southern Kentucky is also bracing for significant ice accumulations.
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Governor Andy Beshear isn't taking any chances with the significant winter storm headed our way this weekend.
The governor declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of what forecasters are calling a serious winter weather system that could dump heavy snow, sleet, and ice across central Kentucky starting overnight Friday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Louisville area and much of central Kentucky from 1 a.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Monday.
"This is a serious storm that will likely cause dangerous conditions on our roads and potential power outages, which is why we are doing everything we can to keep Kentuckians safe," Beshear said in a statement.
What to expect
The NWS Louisville office is expressing high confidence in this system, which is never a phrase you want to hear before a winter storm. Forecasters are warning about widespread heavy snowfall combined with ice, and they've specifically noted that chances for significant ice accumulation have increased across southern Kentucky.
That ice is the real concern here. We're looking at potential power outages, impassable roads, impacts to utilities, and downed trees.
What the state is doing
The state of emergency declaration means Kentucky Emergency Management and the National Guard can be activated to help communities prepare and respond. Here's what's already in motion:
- The state's Emergency Operations Center will activate at Level 3 starting 7 a.m. Saturday and stay fully staffed through Monday
- Water is being pre-positioned around the state in case of water outages
- Local counties are working with state officials to set up warming centers
- National Guard armories will be fully staffed
- Generator and wrecker service contracts are ready to go
Beshear has also activated the state's price gouging laws, so if you see anyone trying to charge outrageous prices for necessities, you can report it to the Attorney General's office.
What you should do now
The governor's advice is straightforward: prepare now, not later. Run any errands you need to take care of today, avoid traveling once conditions deteriorate, and make sure you have weather alerts turned on for your phone.
Louisville Metro Health Department is emphasizing that waiting until a watch or warning is issued to stock up could leave you out of luck if stores run out or close early. Here's what they recommend having on hand:
- Disposable dishware (plates, bowls, utensils)
- Extra medications and infant formula if needed
- Portable AM/FM radio and extra batteries
- Warm clothing: hats, mittens, parkas, boots
- Extra blankets
- Matches for candles and gas fireplaces
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Fully charged cellphone
- Firewood if you have a wood-burning fireplace
Metro Health also suggests checking your shovel or snow blower now to make sure it's in working order.
Additional preparedness steps
Beyond stocking up, there are a few other things you should take care of today:
- Sign up for LENSAlert to receive weather alerts and emergency notifications
- Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Check your home's chimney, insulate any exposed pipes, and clear your gutters
- Winterize your vehicle by checking tires, oil, battery, and antifreeze, and keep an emergency kit in your car
With arctic temperatures also expected to follow the precipitation, this could be a multi-day event that keeps road crews busy well into early next week. Better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.
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