State and local officials are urging Kentuckians to be prepared for the arrival of bitterly cold temperatures and some snow Thursday evening, with the arctic air to remain in place through much of the holiday weekend.
Governor Andy Beshear on Wednesday morning declared a state of emergency in advance of the front’s arrival, to ensure all agencies have what they need to be prepared to assist anyone in need.
He has ordered each county to have at least one designated warming center during the cold spell and that includes the Hopkinsville Salvation Army’s overnight Extreme Weather Event Shelter on East Seventh Street in Hopkinsville. There are four centers that could be opened if needed in Todd County—Petrie Memorial United Methodist Church, the Todd County Rescue Squad, the Guthrie Volunteer Fire Department and Sharon Grove Volunteer Fire Department. In Trigg County, the 911 Center in Cadiz is the designated warming shelter, along with The Way on Lafayette Street.
Several state parks, including Pennyrile Forest and Lake Barkley, will serve as backup warming shelters this weekend.
A Wind Chill Warning is in effect beginning Thursday evening, an inch or two of snow is expected across much of the state and Governor Beshear is urging Kentuckians to get to where they need to be by mid-day Thursday and stay there, if possible.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews have pre-treated major roadways with a brine solution in Western Kentucky, but it will become less effective as the temperature plummets well below zero Thursday night and only makes it to about 11 degrees Friday.
Transportation Secretary Jim Gray says even with relatively light accumulations of snow expected, visibilities may be reduced to zero due to blowing snow in very gusty winds.
Anyone who must travel during the storm should pack an emergency kit with supplies to sustain them until help can arrive, should they become stranded. Kentucky State Police urge motorists to put extra space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, as stopping will become more difficult.
If it becomes necessary to utilize a generator, never run it indoors, as it can quickly lead to fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you must go outside Thursday night through at least Christmas Eve, be sure to dress in layers and protect your skin from frostbite.
Bring pets inside if possible and be sure any outdoor animals have a place to take shelter and a constant supply of unfrozen water.
