Sleet and ice could bring widespread power outages to KY. Take these steps now
A winter storm warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect for much of Kentucky Sunday as Winter Storm Fern’s snow turns to more dangerous ice.
Snow, sleet and freezing rain are expected to continue in Lexington before 4 p.m. Sunday, according to the latest forecast from the NWS. Ice accumulations of 0.2 to 0.4 of an inch are possible, with snow and sleet accumulations of up to 2 inches on top of Saturday’s blanket of snow.
In a post on X Saturday evening, the agency warned icy conditions could bring multiple hazards, including impassible roads, downed trees and powerlines and multi-day power outages.
Kentucky’s no stranger to ice-related outages. In early 2025, Winter Storm Blair dumped 7 inches of snow and about a half-inch of ice on Central Kentucky over two days, leaving thousands without power.
If Central Kentucky sees a similar or greater number of power outages from Winter Storm Fern, you may want to be prepared. To get ahead of the storm or endure a power outage after it arrives, here’s what to know.
How to prepare for power outages ahead of Winter Storm Fern
When you know there’s a major winter storm in the forecast, the best thing you can do to prepare is to take stock. Do you have enough nonperishable food and water for an extended outage? What items do you need that rely on power? Do you need electricity to refrigerate your medicine or power a medical device?
Ready.gov advises keeping the following in mind as you prepare for winter storms:
- Make sure you have enough nonperishable food and water. If you do lose power, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer can maintain freshness even longer, about 48 hours.
- Monitor your food temperatures with a thermometer. Throw it away if the temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Take stock of what items around your home need electricity. Make sure you have batteries and charging banks. Every member of your household should have a flashlight with working batteries. Turn off or disconnect appliances you don’t need. A sudden surge when the power returns could damage them.
- Be mindful about carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, and make sure to use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outside and at least 20 feet away from windows. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home with backup battery power. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including sleepiness, headaches, confusion, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting.
- Plan ahead if you use medicine or medical devices that depend on electricity. Know how long your refrigerated medicine can last without power.
- Go to a community location with power if the cold is extreme and you cannot heat your home.
Is your power out? How to report an outage, step by step
Report any power outage to your utility company. This helps the company know which areas are a priority for restored service and allows you to track any updates from your provider.
Kentucky Utilities customers can report power outages by texting “OUTAGE” to 454358. For outage updates, text “STATUS” to 454358. You can also track outages on a map or via KU’s mobile phone app.
Blue Grass Energy customers can report outages via an online form on the utility’s website.
Track outages across the state with the Kentucky Electric Cooperatives outage map. Members should report their outages to their co-ops directly.
Tips to stay warm when your heat is out during a winter storm
If your heat is out, the best approach is to close the shades and cover any windows to conserve heat, gather your family in one room and bundle up in some extra layers and blankets.
The American Red Cross and Ready.gov also recommend:
- If you’re relying on a generator, make sure to keep it away from any windows, doors and vents that lead into your home. You should also avoid using grills or camp stoves powered by gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal while indoors.
- Don’t use your fireplace unless you’ve had it inspected recently and know it’s safe. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat.
- Layer up with thermal clothing first. Pull out any sleeping bags, extra blankets or a warm winter coat. Wear a hat and gloves or mittens to conserve body heat.