Lexington crews clear roads as winter storm intensifies; residents urged to stay home
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — As snow continues to fall across Lexington and dangerously cold temperatures move in, city leaders are urging residents to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.
According to the Lexington Division of Emergency Management, city crews are working alongside contractors to clear roads under Lexington’s snow plan. Additional contractor help has been brought in to clear ADA ramps, crosswalks and assist with hauling snow.
Mayor Linda Gorton has declared a local State of Emergency, fully activating the city’s Emergency Operations Center and placing public safety divisions on 24-hour schedules through Tuesday morning. As part of that declaration, parking is banned on snow emergency routes — major streets marked with signage throughout the city.
City officials say keeping those routes clear is critical for snowplows and first responders.
“If residents do not park along streets and major roads, our crews will be able to clear routes more effectively,” the city said in an update.
Travel strongly discouraged
Officials say residents should avoid travel unless it’s an emergency. If travel is unavoidable, people are urged to bring food, water, a flashlight, warm clothing and extra blankets, and to allow extra time to reach their destination.
The Lexington Police Department echoed that message. Our ABC 36 Storm Team Meteorologists say snow is expected to continue overnight and into Sunday.
Police remind drivers to clear all snow and ice from vehicle roofs, windows and mirrors, slow down on slick roads, increase following distance, and never crowd or pass snowplows unless it’s safe to do so. Officers also recommend carrying an emergency kit that includes blankets, an ice scraper, shovel, flashlight and phone charger.
Residents can track crashes, lane blockages and trouble spots through the city’s Traffic Management X account, @lexwrecks, or view live traffic cameras at lexingtonky.gov/traffic.
Cold weather dangers and shelter options
Sub-zero temperatures and wind chills pose a serious risk, especially for anyone spending time outdoors. Emergency officials urge people to stay inside if possible, wear layers, and cover exposed skin when outside.
The city’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has its Emergency Winter Weather Plan in effect through Monday morning, January 26. The plan includes expanded shelter services and free transportation to shelters.
Anyone who sees someone who may need shelter is encouraged to call the Lexington Police Department’s non-emergency number at (859) 258-3600. A full list of shelters is available at lexingtonky.gov/homelessness-prevention-and-intervention.
LexCall is also operating extended weekend hours to handle non-emergency, weather-related issues — until 11 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Price gouging hotline activated
At the state level, Attorney General Russell Coleman has activated Kentucky’s Price Gouging Hotline as the winter storm continues.
Coleman says Kentuckians who suspect price gouging — defined as prices more than 10% higher than before the emergency, without justification — should report it online or by calling 1-888-432-9257.
“During rough weather like this, Kentuckians should only be concerned about their families’ safety, not whether they are being exploited,” Coleman said.
Covered goods and services include food, gasoline, heating fuel, shelter, transportation and emergency repair services.
Staying informed
City officials say conditions may continue to change and encourage residents to stay informed by visiting lexingtonky.gov/snowupdates for the latest information on snow removal, delays, closings and city services.
