Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Thursday due to a complex winter weather system that doused the state with freezing rain and sleet overnight.
More than 70,000 Kentuckians lost power as icy conditions downed power lines and trees. Officials reported multiple crashes and temporary closures on highways and roads across the state. Transportation crews treated roads throughout the night and are working to remove downed trees.
As the weather system moves out of the state, bitterly cold temperatures are expected to remain, meaning the icy conditions should persist throughout the weekend.
Beshear’s state of emergency declaration allows the state to pull additional funds and employ the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate support.
“I urge every Kentuckian to stay home and off these treacherous roads,” Beshear said.
Beshear closed state offices for the day, as well as Kroger regional vaccination sites. Those who lost appointments should be able to reschedule over the next week, he said.
Louisville officials closed the city’s mass coronavirus vaccination site at Broadbent Arena for the day, but expect it to reopen Friday.