KENTUCKY — As snow and ice linger in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a State of Emergency Thursday morning. Beshear said the declaration will “free up funding and boost coordination across agencies as we respond to this weather crisis in a way that can keep all Kentuckians safe.”

“The State of Emergency directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and the Department of Military Affairs to execute the Kentucky Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate the response across state agencies and private relief groups,” Beshear said. 

The declaration also directs the Finance and Administrative Cabinet to provide the funding for the response and authorizes the Division of Emergency Management to request additional resources, the governor added. 

“As for Kentucky Emergency Management, that State of Emergency Operations Center, it remains activated at Level 3 operations,” Beshear said. 

Operations include KYEM personnel monitoring the weather system and emergency support function partners for transportation, law enforcement, power, and utilities.

According to a release from the governor’s office, KYEM was aware of about 70,500 Kentucky customers with power outages.

Beshear said there were widespread reports of downed trees and limbs, primarily impacting Central and Eastern Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Division of Forestry are helping with tree removal.

“Our crews worked overnight and are out in full force treating and plowing to maintain mobility along critical routes,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “The damaging effects of fallen debris and frigid temperatures create additional challenges and delays. It’s going to take days to recover from this event. We plead for the patience of the public and ask for their help by staying off the roads if possible.”

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the westbound lanes of Interstate Highway 24 in Christian County were closed at mile marker 81, the release added. The governor said Kentuckians can visit snowky.ky.gov for travel information and updates.

Early Thursday morning, Beshear closed all state offices for the day to reduce traffic on roadways.

Beshear also said the Kroger regional mass vaccination sites will all be open Friday. He said anyone who had an appointment Thursday should check their email to see when they can get in next week.