Beshear, state leaders urge Kentuckians to keep away from journey

FRANKFORT, Ky. — During a Monday morning information convention, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., urged Kentuckians to remain off the roads as crews clear up from this weekend’s winter storm.

“This storm blanketed Kentucky with snow, sleet and ice for 36 hours straight and now dangerously low temperatures will continue,” Beshear mentioned. “While the storm is moving out of Kentucky this morning, we still need Kentuckians to remain alert, avoid travel and stay indoors as much as possible. Crews are working hard to treat roadways and restore power, but this was a statewide event, and these efforts will take time.” 

As of 11:15 a.m., round 43,500 Kentuckians stay with out energy, down from the storm’s peak of 73,500 Sunday, based on PowerOutage.us. The highest focus of outages is in southern Kentucky.

Heavy snowfall brings near-whiteout situations Jan. 25, 2026, to Louisville. (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)

There are 137 warming facilities arrange throughout the state for these with out energy. A full record may be discovered online. 

Dangerously chilly temperatures are anticipated for the remainder of this week, with wind chills as little as minus 20 levels throughout Kentucky. This may trigger hypothermia or frostbite in as little as 10 to half-hour. The governor’s workplace urged Kentuckians to keep away from time outdoors and preserve pets inside.

The governor’s workplace added the winter storm introduced as much as 12 inches of snow in northern Kentucky, with 4 to six inches throughout central areas of the state. Ice accumulations have been larger than anticipated. Among the hardest-hit counties have been Allen, Barren, Monroe and Pulaski.

“Thankfully, Kentuckians were prepared,” Beshear mentioned. “This is our 15th major weather disaster. We know what to do, and the steps taken by everyone made a huge difference.”

Avoid nonessential journey

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet mentioned roads stay hazardous. A fleet of almost 1,500 plow vans will stay energetic to maintain precedence routes satisfactory, plus 12 heavy-duty wreckers to clear accidents. 

Crews proceed to prioritize protecting interstates, parkways and high-volume routes satisfactory for emergency responders and demanding journey, KYTC mentioned. Expected visitors will increase and excessive chilly temperatures hindering the effectiveness of salt imply situations may take time to enhance. Drivers ought to carry an emergency equipment in case they grow to be stranded.

Traffic situations can be found on the GoKy map.

“Even if you’re seeing naked pavement or lighter snow in some areas, don’t let your guard down,” said Jim Gray, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet secretary. “Ice stays a critical menace, and near-to-below freezing temperatures this week imply slick situations can linger or refreeze shortly. Our snowfighters are working across the clock to maintain vital routes satisfactory and make progress the place situations permit.”

All driver’s licensing offices are closed due to the climate.

Additional updates

• The Kentucky National Guard was in place at 53 armories throughout the state. Seventeen cut-and-toss groups have been deployed. Crews have been prepared in areas anticipated to obtain the very best ice accumulation for evacuation wants. 
• Kentucky State Police acquired greater than 4,800 requires service associated to the storm, performed 327 wellness checks and responded to 413 requests for motorist help
• Five hundred ingesting water programs are on a boil water advisory; 23 are below restricted operations. Two wastewater programs have restricted operations. One (Manchester) is nonoperational.
• Several hundred Kentuckians are being sheltered in warming facilities. Beshear’s workplace mentioned Team Kentucky evacuated 150 folks from lodges in London and in addition evacuated company from Barren River Lake State Resort Park.
• A state of emergency has been in place since Friday. The state’s Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2, and emergency assist capabilities workers are on standby and prepared for elevated activation, Beshear’s workplace mentioned. The state’s price gouging laws are in place to guard Kentuckians from overpriced items and companies.
• President Donald Trump accredited an emergency catastrophe declaration for the state Saturday, making federal help instantly obtainable. This is just not particular person help, Beshear mentioned, however federal assist to assist the state reply.
• Beshear warned Kentuckians to take breaks whereas shoveling, noting six Kentuckians died in 2025 from snow elimination incidents. Shoveling security suggestions may be discovered online.
• Those who’ve an emergency or life-threatening state of affairs ought to name 911. Those with quick wants that aren’t life-threatening ought to name the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or name 502-607-6655; examples embody an influence outage, no or little or no warmth, no meals or unable to prepare dinner, no or little ingesting water or cellphone points.