Governor declares State of Emergency ahead of potential winter storm system

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A State of Emergency has been declared in Kentucky.

According to a release, Governor Andy Beshear has issued a State of Emergency for Kentucky, ahead of a potential severe winter storm system that may affect large portions of the commonwealth.

The State of Emergency activates state resources, including Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG), to help protect Kentuckians.

The state’s Emergency Operations Center is preparing to activate to Level 3.

“This is a serious storm that will likely cause dangerous conditions on our roads and potential power outages, which is why we are doing everything we can to keep Kentuckians safe,” said Gov. Beshear. “We ask that everyone does what they can to prepare now. Run any necessary errands before the storm, avoid traveling while conditions are dangerous, and have weather alerts turned on to stay informed.”

The following steps will be implemented:

• The state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated and operating at level 3 beginning at 6 am Saturday and will be fully staffed through Monday.
• Water is being pre-positioned across the commonwealth in anticipation of water outages.
• KYEM is working with local counties to establish warming centers.
• KYNG armories around the state will be fully staffed.
• Generators and wrecker service contracts are in place and on call.
• Gov. Beshear also implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

Road conditions can be checked at GoKy.ky.gov.

Winter preparedness tips are available at kyem.ky.gov.