A state of emergency was declared Thursday morning across Kentucky after freezing rain, sleet and snow caused widespread travel issues everywhere in the state and power outages in some parts of the commonwealth.
Governor Andy Beshear says the emergency declaration will allow local and state agencies to better coordinate in the response to the winter storm.
The governor says if you have to travel anywhere in Kentucky in the next few days, slow down and allow yourself some extra time.
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray says with bitter cold temperatures moving in over the weekend, some roads will remain slick and some spots that melt may freeze back over at times.
The City of Hopkinsville issued a news release saying crews will remain out salting and plowing streets and reminding residents to contact the Salvation Army if they need shelter on these upcoming bitter cold nights.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and county road crews will also remain active.
Deputy Chris Miller says the Christian County Sheriff’s Department worked seven accidents Thursday morning—some involving as many as three vehicles.
He says secondary roads remain particularly slick.
No serious injuries were reported in any of those crashes and deputies also assisted 16 motorists who simply ran off the road.
The National Weather Service in Paducah says it’s possible a wind chill advisory will be necessary at some point this weekend and they’re monitoring the chance for a significant snowfall event Monday and Monday night.