Winter storm knocks out power in parts of KY. Here’s how to stay warm until it’s back on
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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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Some 76,000 customers were without power across Kentucky as of late Monday morning, with Winter Storm Blair delivering snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
In Fayette County, the number of outages was moving in the right direction with 5,034 customers out as of 11:45 a.m., according to PowerOutage.us. That was down from 8,821 outages just after 8:30 a.m. Monday.
Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to linger throughout the week, and another round of freezing rain and snow could be on its way Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10 and 11, the latest National Weather Service forecast shows.
“We are hearing from some of the utilities. They expect people to be without power for a couple of days,” Gov. Andy Beshear said during a Monday morning news conference.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton declared a state of emergency Sunday and activated the city’s emergency operations center. The city’s winter storm plans have included moving Lexington’s unhoused indoors. Free transportation is available through LexTran and the Compassionate Caravan.
Susan Straub, director of communications for the mayor’s office, told the Herald-Leader in an email Monday that, while there aren’t any warming centers for people who’ve lost power, the city may open them if there are long-term power outages.
“Should this event turn into a long-term power outage, we have reached out to community partners to meet the needs of our residents. This could entail opening a warming center or opening a full shelter,” Straub wrote. “Where we would potentially open warming centers or shelters depends on what part of the county is affected, and what the needs of the affected residents are. Once that is determined, we identify the most suitable structures and reach out to our local, state, and volunteer organizations to make that happen.”
If you find you’re without power and your heat has gone with it, here are some ways you can stay warm until the lights come back on.
Report your outage
If you haven’t already, report your power outage to your utility company. Doing so indicates which areas are a priority for the utility company and allows you to stay current on any updates from your provider.
Kentucky Utilities customers can report a power outage by texting ‘OUTAGE’ to 454358, calling 800-981-0600 or via KU’s mobile phone app.
Blue Grass customers can report outages online or by calling 888-655-4243.
You can track other outages across the state with the Kentucky Electric Cooperatives outage map. Members should report their outages to their co-ops directly.
Stay warm
While you’re waiting for power to be restored and warmth to return, your best approach is to gather your family in one room, bundle up in some extra layers and blankets, and draw the shades or cover any windows to conserve heat.
The Red Cross and Ready.gov also recommend the following do’s and dont’s when you find yourself without power during a winter storm.
First, if you’re relying on a generator to power your home, make sure to keep it away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, keep the generator dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
Do not use grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane or natural gas or charcoal-burning devices in a home, basement or garage. Keep the equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: nausea, dizziness and weakness.
Don’t use your fireplace unless you’ve had it inspected recently and know it’s safe to use. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat.
Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Layer up with thermal clothing first. Pull out your sleeping bags, extra blankets or warm winter coat. Wear a hat and gloves or mittens to conserve body heat.
When the power’s back on
According to the Food and Drug Administration, a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if it remains closed, while a fully packaged freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours.
Ready.gov recommends throwing away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Throw away any medication that should be refrigerated unless its label says otherwise. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for a resupply.
Do you have a question about inclement weather in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 2:40 PM.
