Winter Storm Blair has left Kentucky blanketed in snow and ice, making travel hazardous.
Winter Storm Blair has brought significant snowfall and ice to Kentucky, leading to emergency declarations and hazardous road conditions. Residents are urged to stay indoors as the storm results in power outages and dangerous travel. With reports of over 170 accidents and continuing cold temperatures, the situation remains precarious as authorities work to clear roads and restore power.
Residents in Lexington and other parts of Kentucky have been bracing themselves as Winter Storm Blair unleashed a flurry of snow and ice, leaving many scrambling to adjust to the disruptive weather conditions. The National Weather Service has not taken this weather lightly, issuing a winter storm watch that has many on alert across the state.
Most Kentuckians woke up to a spectacular yet hazardous scene on Monday morning, with a glistening coating of ice topping several inches of freshly fallen snow. Sunday saw the storm hit with fierce intensity, and as the snow continued through Monday morning, residents were met with total snowfall accumulations ranging between 6 to 8 inches. To make matters worse, an additional half an inch of ice made traversing roads all the more treacherous.
As if that wasn’t enough, those in central Kentucky felt the brunt of a second wave on Monday, adding another inch or more to the snowy landscape. By late Monday afternoon, Lexington reported a two-day snowfall total of 7 inches. And if you’re thinking of heading out, take heed: meteorologists are warning that colder temperatures are on the way, and these will only make things riskier. With wind chills dropping as low as -4 to -7 degrees in Lexington by Thursday morning, it’s about to get really chilly.
In response to these dramatic weather changes, over 20 counties and 14 cities in Kentucky have declared states of emergency, with Governor Andy Beshear emphasizing the importance of staying home and staying safe amidst the storm. As road conditions became dangerously slick, city officials reported that while most main roads in Lexington were manageable, side streets have turned into icy patches, posing challenges for those who must venture out.
With the storm wreaking havoc, Kentucky State Police reported over 170 accidents, including 27 collisions that resulted in injuries. The icy landscape also left around 90,000 Kentuckians without power early Monday, though that number saw improvement later in the day, dropping to about 50,000. Fayette County was particularly affected with approximately 3,500 outages, while Louisville bore the brunt of over 10 inches of snowfall, resulting in widespread power outages.
During these trying times, Governor Beshear encouraged residents to check on their neighbors and come up with plans to stay warm in case power goes out. In light of the severe conditions, warming centers are being established in counties that have experienced significant outages, particularly in Fayette and other eastern regions. As utility companies struggle to restore power amidst the challenging icy conditions, one cannot help but feel the impact of nature’s fury.
The city of Lexington is doing its part, having worked overnight to clear the roads, using 1,200 tons of salt with more on the way. Meanwhile, schools have canceled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday due to safety concerns. Public safety divisions are on alert, and the Emergency Operations Center stands partially activated to tackle any challenges that may arise through Thursday.
As the winter storm keeps Kentuckians on their toes, it’s a good time to remember the importance of safety. Power line hazards are a significant concern, so stay aware of your surroundings when venturing out. Drivers are being particularly cautioned to keep an eye out for black ice while navigating the frosty roads. Make sure to report any issues you encounter, from tree falls to power line concerns, to local emergency services so they can act quickly!
With more snow in the forecast for Friday, it seems this winter storm isn’t done with Kentucky just yet. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep your mittens handy!
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