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Ahead of a winter storm that could leave large swaths of Kentucky under 7 to13 inches of snow, Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency.
The National Weather Service also predicts ice accumulations of a little less than half an inch for southern Indiana and central Kentucky that could lead to power outages and tree damage.
During the storm, which is forecast to hit overnight Friday and last through the weekend, “travel could be nearly impossible,” the National Weather Service reported.
For people who “must travel” during the storm, the National Weather Service recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle. After the initial snowfall, the National Weather Service forecasts drops in temperature to single digits next week.
“This is a serious storm that will likely cause dangerous conditions on our roads and potential power outages, which is why we are doing everything we can to keep Kentuckians safe,” Beshear said in a statement. “We ask that everyone does what they can to prepare now. Run any necessary errands before the storm, avoid traveling while conditions are dangerous and have weather alerts turned on to stay informed.”
Beshear’s office said the administration is prepping warming centers throughout the state and will have water supplies and generators.
His state of emergency order allows for activation of the National Guard to “protect life and safety, to continue essential public services and to prevent undue loss and suffering.”
Beshear also activated price gouging prohibitions, which prevents the price of goods from being “grossly” inflated during the emergency. Any incidents of price gouging should be reported to Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office here.
This article appears in Jan 1-31, 2026.