Gov. Beshear declares state of emergency ahead of major winter storm

4 hours ago

ABC 36 Digital Staff,

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — With a significant winter storm expected to move into Kentucky late Friday and continue through the weekend, Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a statewide state of emergency to help protect communities and speed up the response.

According to the governor’s office, the storm could bring heavy snow, sleet, ice and dangerously cold temperatures across much of the commonwealth. Officials warn the system could make travel hazardous and may lead to power outages in some areas.

The emergency declaration allows the state to activate resources ahead of the storm, including Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard. The State Emergency Operations Center is preparing to operate at a Level 3 activation, which includes staffing by emergency management and partner agencies.

“This is a serious storm that will likely cause dangerous conditions on our roads and potential power outages,” Beshear said in a statement. “We ask that everyone does what they can to prepare now — run errands before the storm arrives, avoid travel when conditions are dangerous and make sure weather alerts are turned on.”

State officials say several steps are already underway, including pre-positioning water supplies in case of outages, coordinating with counties to establish warming centers, and staffing National Guard armories across Kentucky. Generators and wrecker service contracts are also in place and ready if needed.

As part of the emergency declaration, the governor has also activated Kentucky’s price-gouging laws. That means businesses are prohibited from significantly increasing prices on essential goods and services during the emergency. Consumers who believe they are being overcharged can report concerns to the Office of the Attorney General.

Drivers are urged to check road and traffic conditions before traveling by visiting GoKy.ky.gov. Additional preparedness tips and emergency information are available through Kentucky Emergency Management at kyem.ky.gov.