Beshear declares state of emergency ahead of winter storm. See latest forecast
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- State of emergency activated to mobilize National Guard and emergency resources.
- Snow and ice threaten roads, trees and utilities across Kentucky.
- NWS issues statewide winter storm warning; heavy snow totals of 3–14+ inches.
Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of a major winter storm expected to hit Kentucky over the weekend.
Declaring a state of emergency unlocks state resources, such as Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard, to help people affected by the storm, according to a Jan. 23 news release from the governor’s office. The state’s emergency operations center will open at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 and will be fully staffed through Monday, Jan. 26.
“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 the release. “We ask that everyone does what they can to prepare now.”
Latest forecast for winter storm in Kentucky
The snowstorm is expected to begin between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for Central Kentucky and last until 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Snow showers will be heaviest between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, and 3 to 15 inches or more are expected for the entirety of the state.
Lexington is forecast to get between 8 and 12 inches of snow, according to the NWS. There is a 65% chance the city sees more than 8 inches of snow, and a 34% chance of getting more than 12 inches of snow.
The latest weather models as of Friday morning have tracked the snowstorm more northward than expected, which has increased the chances of ice accumulation in Central Kentucky. The NWS said up to a quarter-inch of ice is expected in the area, with more ice forecast for Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
There is a 7% chance Lexington gets more than a quarter-inch of ice, according to the NWS.
The main hazards associated with the storm are impassable roads, downed trees, power outages and outages to other utilities, according to the NWS. Kentucky Emergency Management is working with local agencies to open warming centers.
The NWS has issued a winter storm warning for the entire state. The warning will go into effect at 1 a.m. Saturday and last until 7 a.m. Monday.
Bitterly cold temperatures are forecast after the storm departs. The NWS said temperatures will remain below freezing every day next week, which will delay melting.
Low temperatures beginning Monday will mostly be in the single digits until at least Thursday, Jan. 29, according to the NWS. Wind chill temperatures will be in the negatives some of those days.
‘We are all hands on deck for this upcoming storm’
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton also declared a state of emergency in the city Friday in anticipation of the storm. The declaration, which will remain in effect until 8 a.m. Tuesday, will activate the emergency operations center.
“This emergency declaration will allow us to take the necessary steps to help our resident handle the weather we are expecting,” Gorton said.
Lexington Emergency Management director Rob Larkin asked for people to finalize their snowstorm preparations by Friday evening. You should have even essential supplies to last four days after the winter storm starts.
Kentucky Utilities spokesperson Daniel Lowry said they are anticipating power outages from the snowstorm. The utility company has around 1,000 line technicians and support personnel on standby and pre-positioned resources before the storm arrives.
About 6,500 customers lost power during last year’s significant winter storm, and Lowry said he expects that number to be higher this weekend. It took about two days to restore power to 99% of affected customers last year, according to Lowry.
Lexington streets and roads crews have been and will continue to pre-treat roads through Friday. Starting Saturday, crews will start working 12-hour rotating shifts indefinitely while a state of emergency is in effect.
Streets and roads director Rob Allen said it will take the city more than 48 hours after the snow stops falling to clear roads. The department has gotten additional help from contractors to help clear the roads.
“This is going to be a different type of event than folks are used to with this amount of snow,” Allen said. “It’s going to be removing snow versus mowing. We’re going to have to haul snow out of downtown and various areas.”
Lexington drivers can check the status of the roads on the city’s snow and ice updates webpage. People are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel during the snowstorm.
Streets and roads crews will also work to clear downtown sidewalks before Saturday’s University of Kentucky men’s basketball game at Rupp Arena. Tip off has been moved up one hour to 11 a.m. due to the threat of the winter storm. The UK women’s basketball game originally scheduled to take place Sunday afternoon has been moved up to 1p.m. Saturday because of the storm.
Downtown parking garages will be free to access from 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Tuesday to encourage people to not park on the streets, especially the major thoroughfares.
The city has activated its emergency winter weather plan through at least Monday. The plan opens shelters and provides additional resources for those needing housing during winter weather events.
Charlie Lanter, commissioner of housing advocacy and community development, said outreach teams have been warning people of the storm all week. Shelters have been filling up and are approaching capacity.
The organization has partnered with the Catholic Action Center to act as a warming center and triage center for additional housing at their Mother Teresa Shelter on Goodwin Drive. Lanter said it will open at noon Saturday and stay open for at least 72 hours.
“Anyone who needs a place to go, go there,” Lanter said. “It’s for adults who need to go to a shelter and don’t know where to go or can’t go somewhere because it’s full.”
All school activities, athletics and community partner events scheduled in Fayette County Public Schools buildings on Saturday and Sunday have been canceled, according to Daryn Morris, FCPS director of transportation. The school district is monitoring the forecast and will issue updates regarding school next week when applicable.
“We want students, families and staff to stay safe,” Morris said. “We’ll make decisions as the weather comes in and see what does occur.”
The Lexington police and fire departments have adjusted staffing levels to make sure they’re equipped to respond to emergencies. Fire Chief Jason Wells said the fire trucks have been winterized so they can perform “safely and effectively” in winter weather.
Wells also said the fire department sees an uptick in cardiac events during winter storms because of people exerting themselves to clear snow. He encouraged people to take breaks and stay safe while clearing snow.
“If you can, take as many breaks as possible and hydrate, and stop if you feel chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath,” Wells said.
Larkin asked for people to stay off the roads and remain patient while city leaders work to clear the snow.
“We are all hands on deck for this upcoming storm,” Gorton said.
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 9:08 AM.
