Kentuckians impacted by Winter Storm Fern approved for federal aid
By Karyn Czar
June 1, 2026 at 8:16 AM EDT
Governor Andy Beshear announced that President Donald Trump and FEMA have approved public assistance for 18 Kentucky counties impacted by January’s Winter Storm that led to the loss of more than 20 lives.
The Jan. 24-26 storm brought heavy snow and ice across much of Kentucky, prompting all 120 counties to be placed under winter storm warnings and 109 counties to declare states of emergency. More than 20 people died as a result of the storm.
Besehar said the funds are "critical support that will help Kentuckians recover and rebuild."
(1013x311, AR: 3.257234726688103)
In Lexington, ice and snow-covered roads created travel challenges and contributed to prolonged school closures as crews worked to clear streets.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides grants to local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations for disaster recovery efforts
The approved counties include Allen, Barren, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Jackson, Laurel, Lee, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, and Whitley.
Besehar said the funds are "critical support that will help Kentuckians recover and rebuild."
(1013x311, AR: 3.257234726688103)
In Lexington, ice and snow-covered roads created travel challenges and contributed to prolonged school closures as crews worked to clear streets.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides grants to local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations for disaster recovery efforts
The approved counties include Allen, Barren, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Jackson, Laurel, Lee, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, and Whitley.