LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A major winter storm bringing several inches of snow is in the forecast for this coming week, and Kentucky officials provided their plans for the upcoming storm.
In a release, Governor Andy Beshear called on residents to be prepared for significant snow accumulations and potentially icy conditions.
“We need Kentuckians to prepare for another two rounds of storms bringing more snow, ice and freezing temperatures,” the governor said. “As these storms arrive, we need Kentuckians to make a plan for their families to stay safe, warm and, if possible, off the roads.”
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) crews plan to concentrate on maintaining mobility on interstates, parkways and highly traveled routes.
Beshear issued a State of Emergency for the state due to dangerous icy road conditions. Since the order was issued, freezing temperatures and ice have remained throughout much of the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Transportation Secretary, Jim Gray will join the governor for a brief on the storm and the state's response Monday at 9:30 a.m.
In Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer held a brief Sunday to discuss the city's plans.
The city is currently under a Winter Storm Warning, and the city’s Emergency Operations Center is on alert status level 1.
As heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain moves into the area Sunday evening, KYTC snowfighters are already working to make road conditions safe.
According to Fischer, roughly 3,000 tons of salt were used during last week’s freezing rain event. The city started the season with 49,000 tons of salt, and an estimated nearly 35,000 tons still remain in storage ready for use.
The Metro Snow Team is already transporting salt from the underground storage at Louisville Megacaverns. Additionally, the city has adequate stores of other materials used, such as brine and calcium chloride.
“All of this could create dangerous road conditions and power outages, so we’re working with our community partners to keep all our residents safe," Fischer said. "Especially when freezing rain starts to fall, I ask everyone to please stay home and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary for food, medicine, medical care or work.”
Fischer said that LG&E is monitoring the forecast and planning accordingly for potential power outages. Combining the ice from last week's storm having yet to melt and the rounds of heavy snow expected, concerns of tree limbs and trees falling into power lines pose a threat to power outages.
Residents must be cautious of downed wires around fallen trees that may be hidden in the snow. LG&E reminds everyone to stay away from fallen lines and treat them as dangerous live wires.
In the brief, Fischer announced that LouVax vaccination site at Broadbent Arena will be closed Monday.
Appointments for those scheduled to receive their vaccinations have been cancelled.
Those individuals will receive an email inviting them to reschedule according to their availability. There are doses reserved for anyone who must reschedule.
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