“This winter event is going to be done somewhere on Monday from the afternoon to the evening. Then we're going to have to work as hard as we can from that period through Tuesday because it's going to get bitterly and dangerously cold on Wednesday and Thursday,” Beshear said. “So, especially on Tuesday, if you are without power, make sure you're looking where that local warming center is.”
Governor Beshear closed all state government offices today and local city and county officials have followed suit, including here in Lexington. Essential services will still operate.
I spoke with Lexington mayor Linda Gorton, and she is echoing the Governor, asking that you stay home today and keep the roads clear so crews can work as quickly as possible.
“People need to stay off the roads if at all possible because that lets our crews work easier and better. And it just ups the ante for crashes and wrecks and things like that. I know some people are essential personnel in our hospitals and medical facilities, those kinds of things,” Mayor Gorton said.
Schools across the Commonwealth and numerous businesses are also closed. That includes the University of Kentucky. It does not include UK health care and essential personnel.
Classes at Transylvania University will be held virtually.
As of 9:30 a.m. on Monday, utility crews are working to restore power to more than 89,000 Kentuckians. More than 9,000 of those outages are here in Fayette County.
If you're using a portable heater, wood stove, or fireplace to stay warm, fire safety officials remind you to keep heating equipment away from flammable items. That means at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire like bedding, clothing, or curtains.
Make sure you are using smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and always follow your manufacturer's guidelines for operating and servicing any heating units.
Avoid open flames. Don't use candles or gas stoves to heat your home.
Flights have been canceled or delayed across the country including here in Kentucky.
