Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a State of Emergency following the heavy snowfall that has impacted all of Kentucky.
The powerful severe weather is affecting travel on major interstates, state and local roadways as well as causing power outages and damage to public infrastructure and private properties, officials said.
Currently, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky State Police are working all interstates. The Kentucky National Guard has been activated and is working at all interstate closures.
Search and rescue teams are activated for safety checks on stranded motorists. And the Red Cross is monitoring the need for warming centers.
The governor asked Kentuckians to visit GOKy.Ky.gov to track hazardous road conditions across the commonwealth.
“We are urging Kentuckians to stay off the roads if possible,” Beshear said. “The weather we are continuing to see across Kentucky is dangerous.”
Beshear closes state office buildings
Beshear has issued an order closing state office buildings on Friday.
He confirmed with Kentucky Emergency Management officials that freezing, single-digit temperatures are expected over much of the commonwealth Thursday night and continuing through the overnight hours.
“All roadway surfaces will freeze,” Beshear warned. “They are and will be extremely dangerous. I am closing all state office buildings with a public warning to stay off the roadways so roadway crews can continue plowing and clearing roads.”
State employees should refer to guidance issued by the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. If state employees have questions regarding the closure, please contact your agency’s management or human resources office.
(Photo: Clarkson Police Chief Buck Meredith and CPD Officer Blake Elmore directing traffic off the Western Kentucky Parkway at the Clarkson exit)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
