Gov. Andy Beshear, alongside Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson, provided an update on the state’s response to the recent winter storm. The state remains under an Extreme Cold Warning until 11 a.m. EST, with freezing temperatures expected to persist throughout the week.
Beshear urged residents to stay indoors due to the risk of frostbite or hypothermia within minutes of exposure. “Kentuckians need to avoid being outdoors as much as possible,” he said, emphasizing the importance of safety during this period.
State highway crews have made significant progress in clearing primary routes, although secondary roads remain challenging due to persistent cold weather. Since Friday, plow crews have covered 670,000 miles, equivalent to circling the earth over 26 times.
Power outages have decreased significantly from 73,590 at their peak on Sunday to 27,894 as of 8 a.m. EST today. Utility crews from neighboring states are assisting in restoring power swiftly. Over 950 individuals sought shelter in warming centers Monday night across Kentucky’s 130 designated facilities.
The extreme cold has led to one fatality: a 72-year-old woman in Whitley County died due to weather-related circumstances. “We want this family to know our thoughts and prayers are with them,” said Beshear.
The Governor declared a state of emergency last Friday, activating resources and implementing price gouging laws for consumer protection. Federal aid is available following President Trump’s approval of an emergency disaster declaration.
Beshear also advised caution while shoveling snow and using generators safely outside homes. For those facing non-life-threatening issues such as inconsistent power or lack of heat, assistance is available through the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or by calling 502-607-6665.
