The Office of Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of winter weather expected this weekend, and all three counties will enact snow emergencies at noon on Saturday.
The governor’s declaration allows the commonwealth to mobilize both the Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky Emergency Management resources to ensure public safety.
“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,” said Beshear in his announcement. “We ask that everyone does what they can to prepare now. Run any necessary errands before the storm, avoid traveling while conditions are dangerous, and have weather alerts turned on to stay informed.”
The following steps are also being implemented ahead of the winter storm:
- The state’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated and operating at level 3 beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday and will be fully staffed through Monday.
- Water is being pre-positioned across the commonwealth in anticipation of water outages.
- Emergency Management is working with local counties to establish warming centers.
- National Guard armories around the state will be fully staffed.
- Generators and wrecker service contracts are in place and on call.
Travel is not recommended during the winter weather. County snow emergencies largely relate to roads. The snow emergencies in Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties are scheduled to be level 1 emergencies. During level 1 snow emergencies, residents should move their cars off roads to make room for snow plows and other equipment. Read LINK nky’s explainer to learn more about the different levels of snow emergencies.
Snow emergency declarations have also been declared in several cities. Check your individual city’s website and social media pages to find out more.
Click here to get details on the weather forecast and see resources for emergency preparedness.