Gov. Beshear, Kentucky officials share winter storm response update

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - On Monday, after declaring a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Winter Storm Blair, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on the state’s ongoing emergency response.

In the Team Kentucky meeting, Governor Beshear urged as many Kentuckians as possible to stay off roadways, especially Monday. This allows transportation and utility workers the best opportunity to clear roads and restore power before extremely cold temperatures arrive Tuesday, he said.

The Governor highlighted positive aspects of the state’s storm response, including a lack of major injuries and fatalities.

“The good news is we are not aware of any major injuries thus far. We also haven’t had any reports that we’ve lost anybody right now, and for a state that’s been through tornadoes, flooding, polar plunges and so much more, we were ready for this. So, thanks to everyone out there doing their part – like our media and meteorologists and a lot of others,” Governor Beshear said. “We had a lot of prep time, but there is still a lot of work to do. The best thing people can do is stay home, stay safe.”

The meeting also consisted of statewide key weather updates:

Kentucky is still in the midst of a very significant winter weather event.
Kentucky had six to eight inches of snow followed by at least half an inch of ice across many parts of the state, which was more than originally expected.
About 93,400 people statewide are without power as of 11 a.m., but the number is constantly fluctuating. Local utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
Another one to three inches of snow can be expected across much of the state Monday.
While about 2,300 Transportation Cabinet staff are working to clear the roadways, many roads remain icy. Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling here. Do not call 911 for road conditions — those lines need to remain open for emergency calls.
Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected today, which makes repairing utility lines dangerous.

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“The bottom line is we’ve got one day to try to get power back to as many Kentuckians as possible before the wind chill gets down close to zero,” Gov. Beshear said.

State highway crews continue to clear roads ranging from wet or slushy along Kentucky’s southern borders to snow-packed along the I-64 central corridor and northern river counties.

“While we’ve made progress, this storm’s not over, and our hard-working crews remain out in force to keep roads passable for all Kentuckians as we expect more snow today,” Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said. “They’re doing a great job, and you may see bare pavement, but please don’t let your guard down – it’s icy and slick, and the best way to stay safe is to stay home. If you must be out, make sure to slow down, buckle up and leave a safe space between other vehicles.”

Warming Centers

Many counties have warming centers open, including those with the highest amount of power outages. Kentuckians in need of warming centers may contact their local emergency manager for further assistance, according to Director of Kentucky Emergency Management Eric Gibson.

“If you are in need of assistance, know that your first call would be to your local emergency management official,” Gibson said. “They’re working very long hours to make sure your community is safe, and they are working hand in hand with your judge executive and your local police and sheriff’s departments. If you need additional information, please contact us we will do our very best to provide the information and help you need.”

Warming centers to open in Bowling Green, surrounding areas this week

Governor Beshear said that Kentuckians who do not have power by midday Monday should begin seeking a warming center or an area with power.

On Saturday, the Governor activated units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers also prepared to act, and local emergency management officials worked to open needed warming centers.

For additional preparedness tips, click here. To read more about the state of emergency, click here.

If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the emotional distress of compounding traumatic weather events, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.