Beshear: 6 deaths occur related to Jan. 5-11 winter weather

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that officials say a total of six Kentuckians died in connection with weather conditions that occurred from Jan. 5 through Jan. 11.

Beshear stated the deaths were confirmed by Kentucky Emergency Management and the Department of Public Health.

According to the governor, some of these deaths were due to “overexertion followed by cardiac arrest” while trying to shovel snow and ice.

Beshear stated shoveling heavy snow can lead to back injuries and heart attacks and encouraged Kentuckians to take breaks often and not push yourself too far.

In addition, Beshear stated the Commonwealth is expecting arctic air to bring dangerously low temperatures from Jan. 19 until Jan. 22. Some areas can expect a wind chill condition to be in single digits that may drop below zero on Monday and Tuesday mornings, officials say.

A map of warming centers has been posted to the KYEM website here. News 40 will also work to keep you updated on the latest local warming centers as these dates draw closer.