Brace yourself, Lexington: City ready for storm’s potential for bitter cold, snow and ice
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Kentucky is hit with significant winter storm
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for many areas of the state.
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The city of Lexington will begin pre-treating roads Friday in preparation for a winter storm that is expected to hit Central Kentucky on Sunday with a mix of snow, rain and possibly ice.
“We are prepared,” said Mayor Linda Gorton at a press conference Friday in front of the city’s main salt barn on Old Frankfort Pike.
The city has plenty of salt to treat roads, she added.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch Thursday for many north and central Kentucky counties. A wintry mix of snow, sleet, rain and possibly ice is expected for the area.
Rob Allen, director of streets and roads, said pre-treating roads with salt brine and Beet Heet, a type of road treatment, will continue until Sunday morning when the storm is expected to hit Fayette County.
Road crews are on-call to work alternating 12-hour shifts starting Sunday as needed.
The city is responsible for approximately 1,400 miles of roads in Fayette County. The state is responsible for clearing an additional 800 miles of roadway.
Many of the city’s major arteries — such as Nicholasville, Harrodsburg and New Circle roads — are state roads. In addition, the city uses private contractors to work with city crews, Allen said.
The city also is working with Lexington’s homeless providers to bring more of the city’s unhoused population indoors. Additional beds have been opened to make sure those who live outside can get off the streets, said Charlie Lanter, commissioner of Housing Advocacy and Community Development.
The city already has placed 164 people in hotel rooms across the city, Lanter said.
In addition, the city’s main shelters will remain open 24 hours, allowing the unhoused to remain at the shelter during the day. Many shelters require people to leave in the morning.
Director of Emergency Management Robert Larkin encouraged residents to prepare for possible power outages, to stock up on five days worth of food and medication supplies, bring pets indoors, gas up cars and have a plan for an alternative heating source.
As of Friday, the city had no plans to open warming centers or shelters if the power goes out.
“Consider a safe alternative heat source,” Larkin said, “or maybe stay with family or friends.”
If using a generator, read the manual and never operate a generator indoors, Larkin said.
“Always use generators outdoors to prevent from carbon monoxide poison. Update your home and vehicle emergency kits, include warm blankets, extra clothes, food, water and a phone charger,” Larkin said.
Lexington Fire Chief Jason Wells also encouraged people to check they have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. That’s always important, but it’s particularly during the winter months, he said.
Space heaters should also be 3 feet away from anything that could catch fire. In addition, residents should also know where home water shut-offs are and how to turn them off.
Larkin and Lexington Assistant Police Chief Shawn Coleman urged residents to stay off the roads Sunday if possible.
“If you must travel on Sunday, remember to take it slow, allow for extra time, use extreme caution, and watch out for drivers of pedestrian. Lastly, stay informed. Stay up to date on weather conditions,” Larkin said.
Coleman agreed.
“My best advice If you want to avoid issues on the roadway, is to stay off the roadway,” Coleman said. “Get where you need to go today and tomorrow.”
Gorton said people also should check on their family and neighbors, especially those who may need additional help.
Lexington will keep residents posted on the storm and any changes at www.lexingtonky.gov/snowupdates. Residents can sign up for free weather alerts at www.bereadylexington.com.
Those who spot someone who might need emergency shelter can call 3-1-1 during regular business hours. After business hours, contact the city’s street outreach team at (859) 551-8053 or (859) 556-1870.
This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM.
