FRANKFORT, Ky. — Another major winter storm has Kentucky on alert and, like the other storms, we expect this one to be dangerous. Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Andy Beshear declares state of emergency for state

  • All state office buildings will be closed Thursday

  • The storm is expected to drop rain, sleet, snow and ice

  • Everyone is being urged to stay off the roads

 

A winter weather warning is in place across much of the state because we expect the storm to bring rain, sleet, snow and ice. Ice accumulations could range from 0.25 to 0.75 inches. Portions of Central Kentucky are under a flood watch beginning Thursday morning through the night. The area could see 2-3 inches of rain.

After declaring the state of emergency, Beshear announced he was closing all state office buildings Thursday to keep as many people as possible off the roads.

In a statement Beshear said, “Freezing roadways are extremely dangerous,” Gov. Beshear said. “I am closing all state office buildings and asking Kentuckians to stay off the roadways if possible, so crews can continue plowing and clearing roads.”

The severity of the storm has the Kentucky Emergency Management department activating the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Kentucky Department for Public Health will monitor the storm from the SEOC.

Michael Dossett, Director of Kentucky Emergency Management, is supposed to retire, but dangerous storms keep coming and he says he’s here to help. Dossett said, “The approaching storm front is forecast to be one of the most dangerous events in our recent history of record-breaking disasters, due to the possibilities of heavy icing accumulations. Please make every effort to stay off of all local and interstate roadways, as travel will be extremely hazardous and rescue efforts for stranded motorists will severely limit first responder capabilities.”

Efforts to keep roads safe and passable will be difficult with this system. Rain is coming first, which means pretreatment of roadways won’t be possible. The storm would just wash the brine and rock salt away. KYTC Secretary Jim Gray, Dossett and Gov. Beshear all stressed that everyone stays off the road. Do not go out unless it is a genuine emergency.

Stay up to date by visiting SnowKy.ky.gov for snow and ice information and GoKY.ky.gov for traffic and roadway information. 

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