KY officials activate State Emergency Operations Center ahead of winter

Kentucky Emergency Management has opened the State Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, which officials say will enhance emergency responses ahead of a winter storm forecasters believe could bring severe snow and ice.

“By being operational we can quickly assist any local entity by coordinating resource requests that are needed,” Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said in a statement Friday. “Please be weather aware and prepare accordingly, your safety is always our first and top priority.”

In a statement on social media Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear warned Kentuckians to stay safe and be prepared for the winter storm.

“Keep an eye on the weather throughout the weekend, as significant accumulations of ice and snow will be possible across a majority of the commonwealth, especially in North Central Kentucky. We know the best way to stay safe is to be prepared,” Beshear said.

Keep an eye on the weather throughout the weekend, as significant accumulations of ice and snow will be possible across a majority of the commonwealth, especially in North Central Kentucky. We know the best way to stay safe is to be prepared. pic.twitter.com/j9nJFDFzyc

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) January 3, 2025

Kentucky is one of more than a dozen states predicted to be impacted by a massive weather system moving east from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic, according to USA TODAY. Snow and ice are expected to emerge in the Rockies beginning late Saturday, with a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain arriving in Kentucky early Sunday.

The mid-south, including Kentucky, is the zone with the greatest potential for significant icing, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm is expected to stick around in central Kentucky and southern Indiana from Sunday through midday Monday. With hazardous travel conditions and possible power outages, officials are urging residents to brace themselves.

Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at kbaarlaer@gannett.com or @bkillian72 on X.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Emergency Management opens State Emergency Operations Center

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