Beech Tree News Network

FRANKFORT -– In response to heavy snows and bitter cold across the Commonwealth in the past 12 hours, Gov. Steve Beshear declared a statewide emergency to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts. 

“This storm system is still dumping snow across much of the state and temperatures are forecast to drop further.  Some areas may see accumulation of up to 16 inches, making it one of the worst storms in recent memory,” said Gov. Beshear.  “By declaring a state of emergency now for the entire state, we can deploy any needed state assistance, including National Guard troops if necessary, without delay.”

Gov. Beshear and state officials remind drivers that it is extremely important to avoid travel if possible so road crews can salt and plow interstates and major highways.  He again encouraged citizens to check on elderly neighbors. 

So far, the snow has been dry and powdery; this has limited accumulation on power lines and tree limbs. That’s good news, as that likely means little impact on power lines for this storm.

The Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC), located in Frankfort, remains activated with additional staffing from Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), KYNG, state cabinets and volunteer organizations monitoring the situation, fielding calls and responding to requests for assistance. 

Weather safety tips can be found on the Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) website at www.kyem.ky.gov.

---

Crews Out Battling Winter Storm

BOWLING GREEN -—Crews have been treating and plowing district roads since about midnight and will be working around the clock to keep roads as clear as they can. All of our resources have been called in to work this event.

At 5 a.m. most roads were completely covered in snow including Interstate 65 and the parkways. The main routes such as I-65, parkways and more heavily traveled roadways are where crews will be concentrating their effort for now. Please be patient, crews are working as hard as they can, but it could be some time before more rural routes are treated. Due to the severity of the storm, extra crews have been dispatched to I-65.

Forecasts are predicting snow most of the day with cold temperatures so road conditions could deteriorate as the day goes on.

It will be vital for motorists to check forecasts and road reports before traveling. They can do so by checking the District Three Twitter account at KYTCDISTRICT3 as well as the district Facebook Page at KYTCDISTRICT3. Kentucky 511 will have road conditions, crashes, traffic and other delays listed from across the state on the website at 511.ky.gov , as well as the KY511 smartphone app.  People can also keep track of what areas are being treated here: http://511.ky.gov/winteractivities/main.jsf

Those who must travel during this winter storm need to exercise extreme caution and allow a lot of extra time to get to the destination.  Also motorists need to be mindful of plow trucks and give plenty of space from the truck as well as the snow coming off of the truck.