Central KY blanketed in snow from Winter Storm Fern. Dangerous ice, sleet yet to hit
As the first day of a powerful, prolonged winter storm came to an end Saturday, Kentucky was already blanketed in snow with forecasters calling for more and an increasing risk of ice to come.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency disaster declaration for the winter storm, unlocking federal aid to Kentucky and several other states, Gov. Andy Beshear said in a post on social media platform X Saturday evening.
“This will help us protect lives, and I am grateful for this crucial support,” Beshear said.
The National Weather Service said late Saturday afternoon that expected ice totals continue to increase across South-Central and East-Central Kentucky, with “major ice accumulations” of half to three-quarters of an inch or more predicted south of the Kentucky parkways.
“The potential for 1 [inch] of freezing rain falling on top of several inches of snow is the worst case scenario and that may very well play out for some areas late tonight and Sunday,” WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey said in a post on X Saturday evening. “Power outages would become a major issue in these areas.”
Bailey said 1 to 4 inches of snow had already fallen across much of the state by Saturday evening, and the snow was beginning to switch over to freezing rain.
“This is a VERY dangerous setup tonight and Sunday,” he wrote in his Kentucky Weather Center blog.
The weather service said the “prolonged significant impacts” to be expected would also include hazardous roads, downed power lines and damage to trees.
The expected ice accumulation is in addition to snow totals that range from 3 or 4 inches in the southern part of the state to 8 to 12 inches or more closer to the Ohio River. Lexington was in a swath of the state with 6 to 8 inches of snow predicted, though the weather service said that area also has the most uncertainty about totals, since more sleet would mean less snow.
Travel was discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
“Roadways and especially overpasses are becoming slick very quickly,” Beshear said in a social media post late Saturday afternoon. “We can’t stress enough how important it is for everyone to avoid travel to protect themselves, other drivers and our KYTC crews out working. Let’s work together to keep each other safe.”
As of about 8 p.m., Lexington roads appeared covered with snow in traffic images shared by Bailey.
“Roads in Lexington are a mess with between 1”-2” already. Moderate to heavy snows increase in Lexington through the evening,” he wrote.
A winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday, and a cold weather advisory was issued for much of the state from midnight Sunday night until 11 a.m. Tuesday, when wind chills could be as low as 15 below zero, the NWS said.
Temperatures will remain frigid through the rest of the week. Lexington’s high is not expected to reach above the low 20s at least through next Saturday, and lows most days will be in the single or even negative digits.
Beshear and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton both declared states of emergency ahead of the storm. Lexington’s emergency operations center opened at 8 a.m. Saturday, the city said in a news release.
The city’s LexCall hotline, reached by calling 311, opened for extended hours Saturday and Sunday. The city said customer service representatives would be “available to take weather-related reports and provide helpful information” until 11 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Warming shelters were open throughout the state. An interactive map provided by Kentucky Emergency Management show 107 open shelters as of Saturday night. Emergency management said those who need help finding a shelter can call 800-255-2587.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also activated his office’s price gouging hotline Saturday, saying, “During rough weather like this, Kentuckians should only be concerned about their families’ safety, not whether they are being exploited.”
People who suspect price gouging during the storm can call 888-432-9257 or make a report online.
Multiple agencies urged individuals to take safety precautions during the storm.
In temperatures like those descending on the state, frostbite can happen in as little as 30 minutes when skin is exposed, the NWS warns.
“Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves,” the weather service said. “Make frequent checks on older family, friends, neighbors, and pets.”
The agency also urged people to make sure to follow safety guidelines when using portable heaters and not to use generators or grills indoors.
