Governor urges vigilance as state braces for more winter weather; storms have claimed at least 14 lives

FRANKFORT, KY - On Feb. 18, 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather affecting much of the commonwealth.

The Governor called on Kentuckians to take action to stay warm as snow and below-zero windchills are expected across much of the state this week.

“If you can’t turn your heat on by this afternoon, you need to call a family member or friend and go stay with them. If that option isn’t available, please go to an emergency shelter,” said Gov. Beshear. “The temperatures are dropping dangerously low, and we need to do everything possible to keep our neighbors safe.”

Regarding the first round of severe weather, the Governor said that, as of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, there were 14 confirmed deaths. On Friday, ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. On Saturday, Gov. Beshear requested, and President Donald Trump granted, an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.

Fatalities: The Governor reported that the number of fatalities has risen: 14 Kentuckians have now been lost to the storms, as a male and female in Jefferson County were lost due to the weather.

How To Help: The Governor launched the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. To donate, click here. As of this morning, the fund has raised over $50,000. These dollars will help pay for each victim’s funeral.

Weather Conditions: Widespread accumulating snow starts this afternoon across Western Kentucky and continues across the commonwealth into Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday.

• 2-7 inches or more accumulation of snow is expected across the entire state.
• The worst area is expected to be west of Interstate Highway 65 in Western Kentucky.
• The heaviest snowfall will be Tuesday night through early Wednesday morning.
• Rain and snowfall will be followed by very low temperatures Thursday through Friday.
• Windchills Thursday morning will be dangerously cold.

Rescue Response: The Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police (KSP) and Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), alongside partners from the Indiana and Tennessee National Guards, have worked together on more than 800 response missions. Their dedication and teamwork have been critical in this response.

In Martin County, KSP sent out our helicopters, and in a combined effort with the Kentucky and Indiana National Guards, successfully evacuated 296 Kentuckians that had been stranded from the high waters there. 
  
As the situation evolves, the Kentucky National Guard is transitioning from lifesaving missions to recovery efforts, focusing on debris removal, restoring access and transporting supplies to these affected communities.

“I want to personally thank the men and women of the National Guard, KSP and KYEM for their hard work and service to our commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “Their commitment to protecting Kentuckians is truly commendable.”

Transportation Update: State highway closures: 295, which includes 13 from mudslides and three from rockslides. Roads have been impacted from Paducah to Pikeville. Conditions are changing as roads are reopening, but flooding is still occurring where rivers have not yet crested.

Approximately 2,300 Department of Highways personnel continue work to reopen roads. Kentuckians are urged to monitor high water, adhere to signs and never drive around a barricade. Road crews across the state are continuing to monitor high water, clear slides and debris and assess road damage as floodwaters recede. Crews are prepping for more snow, which is expected tonight and continuing through Wednesday.

All snowplow and salt truck crews are ready to keep state highways passable. The incoming extreme cold will make it difficult for crews to clear roads as salt and other anti-icing materials become less effective. Flooded roads will also impact snowplow routes. Please plan travel accordingly and be patient with road crews as several crew members have been personally affected by the flooding but are still responding to help. It is safest to stay home, if you can.

Freezing of saturated soil will likely loosen rocks, making rock falls a weeklong concern for travelers. Driver’s license offices in Prestonsburg, Pikeville and Manchester have reopened.

Operation Teams: Federal urban search and rescue (USAR) teams from Indiana, Ohio, Missouri and Tennessee are engaged here.

Power Outages: As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, a reported 4,303 customers were without power. This is down from over 12,000 Kentuckians yesterday.

Drinking Water: As of 9 a.m. Tuesday:

• Roughly 18,245 customers were without water.
• 53,077 customers were under Boil Water Advisories.
• One water system was offline and 26 systems were under limited operations.

Wastewater: As of 9 a.m. Tuesday:

• Two wastewater systems were not operational.
• 32 wastewater systems were under limited operation.
• 13 wastewater plants were experiencing bypasses, and 12 systems with lift stations were reported as overflowing.

FEMA: Yesterday, Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky is applying to FEMA for individual assistance, which he believes many should qualify for. This will open up dollars for immediate needs for individuals, as well as more funds for longer-term individual recovery.

State Funds: Yesterday, Gov. Beshear said his administration is already working with the state legislature to set up a pool of funding to help with long-term recovery efforts, similar to the SAFE Funds. Gov. Beshear announced the first calls with legislators have gone well.

Kentucky State Police: Since the morning of Feb. 15, KSP telecommunicators have answered 9,663 calls for service. KSP personnel continue to assist with water rescues and wellness checks in the affected areas. If you believe someone is missing, call your local KSP post. The KSP post phone numbers can be found here.

Kentucky State Parks: Currently, 191 people are being sheltered at four Kentucky state resort parks:

• Buckhorn Lake: 13 adults, 8 children
• Jenny Wiley: 112 adults, 31 children
• Natural Bridge: 16 adults, 9 children
• Pine Mountain: 2 adults

The Governor said more rooms are open and available as needed.

Emergency Shelters: As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, 15 emergency shelters were helping those affected by the storms:

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• Lee’s College Gymnasium and Jackson City School in Breathitt County;
• Paces Creek Elementary School and Laurel Creek Church of God in Clay County;
• Henderson County Public Library and The Harbor House of Men in Henderson County;
• First Baptist Church in Knox County;
• Lawrence County Community Center in Lawrence County;
• Martin County Middle School, Old Martin County Public Library and Inez Elementary School in Martin County;
• McCreary County School Gym in McCreary County;
• Senior Center in Owen County;
• New Life Church in Pulaski County; and
• Providence Branch Library in Webster County.

When To Call 911: If you have an emergency or life-threatening situation, dial 911 for immediate available assistance.

Rapid Needs Assessment: If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, please complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. These needs include: power is out or inconsistent; no heat or very little heat; individuals with medical needs or disabilities; no food or unable to cook; no or very little drinking water; unable to leave house due to weather or lack of transportation; phone issues; unable to leave vehicle; checking on a loved one; and more.

Safety Tips:

• Watch your step. Floodwaters often hide sharp and dangerous debris, like broken glass and metal. Floodwater can also be contaminated with oil, gasoline or sewage.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear such as boots, gloves and safety glasses when moving debris.
• Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm, or if it is wet, to prevent being electrocuted. Report any utility issues to your local utility company.
• Flooded homes are hazards. Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.
• Use generators or other gas-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.
• Never drive into a road covered with flowing water. One foot of flowing water can sweep a car off the road; two feet will carry away an SUV or pickup. Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never walk or drive through swift water. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Respect barricades and posted signage. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. You’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.