Kentucky winter storm death toll rises to 22, governor “disappointed” with Lexington snow plan

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The death toll from the winter storm that swept through the Bluegrass at the end of January has risen again, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

During a Team Kentucky update, Beshear confirmed the number of storm-related deaths across the commonwealth is now 22. He said the latest victims include a 92-year-old man from Hart County and a 69-year-old person from Madison County.

The governor asked Kentuckians to keep the affected families in their thoughts as they continue to grieve.

Beshear also addressed road conditions in Fayette County, saying the state is stepping in to assist after concerns about the city’s response to ice and snow.

“I think we’re all disappointed, by the, the city’s response, to this ice and snow event. This is the second one in a row that we, we should have seen better results, and I think the mayor has said that and has taken responsibility. We helped and, and have helped, and then we’re told for a period of time that our help wasn’t needed. We have asked, and it has been accepted, to help some more. Now, what we’re also going to do is provide any guidance that’s requested or that we can offer, to update and change, Lexington’s snow and ice removal plan.”

Following those comments, the mayor’s office released a statement responding to the governor’s concerns, saying in part:

“We appreciate the support being offered by the state. We have state trucks, construction equipment, and city trucks on our streets clearing the roads. We pre-treated the roads before the storm began. We will conduct an after-action review to find out what went right, what went wrong, and to put together a new plan going forward.”

State and local crews continue working to clear remaining problem areas as colder temperatures linger across central Kentucky.