As Kentucky grapples with the aftermath of the weekend storms that left a death toll of 14, communities are bracing for additional winter weather. Governor Andy Beshear announced that two more individuals, believed to be homeless, succumbed to hypothermia, bringing the total storm-related fatalities to 14. Among them are a mother and her 7-year-old child, tragically swept away in Hart County by flooding.
Kentucky is seeking individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid affected residents. Governor Beshear expressed concerns about potential road closures and extreme cold temperatures as another winter storm approaches. He urged residents to stay informed and prioritize their safety.
An estimated 60 million people are under winter weather advisories from the Central Plains to the Carolina coast, with heavy snow and strong winds forecasted. The National Weather Service in Louisville predicts significant snow accumulation in central and southern Kentucky from Tuesday evening into Wednesday afternoon, with 2 to 6 inches expected.
As snow blankets various states, including Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri, the storm system is set to move across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, potentially causing hazardous travel conditions. Eastern Kentucky, southern West Virginia, southeast Virginia, and northeast North Carolina may see 4 to 8 inches of snow, leading to disruptions in recovery efforts and power outages.
Nearly 4,500 utility customers remain without power in Kentucky, prompting Governor Beshear to advise seeking shelter if unable to safely heat their homes. He emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable neighbors in the face of plunging temperatures.
Authorities are preparing for the winter storm by mobilizing snowplow and salt truck crews to maintain roadways. The extreme cold weather poses challenges to road clearing operations, with flooded roads adding to the complications.
As flood-related water rescues wind down, Kentucky officials are focusing on road clearance in anticipation of the approaching storm. Stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this challenging period.
“Plow operators are working hard to clear snow-covered roads.” Authorities recommended that residents should remain at home for their safety during the inclement weather conditions.
