FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 20, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe winter weather that continues to affect much of the commonwealth. The Governor said the major news for today is that the state is moving from the emergency search-and-rescue phase to the stabilization phase.
“I want to take a moment to recognize how, in Kentucky, we always look out for our neighbors, and I have seen this once again in response to this natural disaster,” Gov. Beshear said. “You all inspire me, and once again the world has seen just how kind and compassionate Kentuckians are.”
The Governor thanked first responders, Kentucky State Police (KSP), Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) workers, as well as local police, fire and emergency managers, other states, volunteers and more.
Current Weather Conditions: After some light snowfall overnight in parts of Central and Western Kentucky, as well as freezing temperatures, the precipitation is largely over. Frigid temperatures will continue through Friday morning, with somewhat warmer temperatures forecast for the weekend. Temperatures will continue to warm into next week.
Last Friday, ahead of the heavy rains, the Governor declared a state of emergency. On Saturday, Gov. Beshear requested, and President Donald Trump granted, an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.
Fatalities: The Governor reported the number of fatalities tied to the flooding and freezing temperatures remained at 14 Kentuckians.
How To Help: The Governor launched the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. To donate, click here. As of this morning, the fund has raised more than $199,000, including a generous $20,000 donation from CSX. These dollars will first help pay for each victim’s funeral.
Gov. Beshear also encouraged Kentuckians to sign up to give blood at governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood. He and the First Lady will host a blood drive in the State Capitol Rotunda on Monday, Feb. 24, and encourage state employees and Frankfort residents to register for appointments here.
Transportation Update: State highway closures: 186, which includes 10 from mudslides and rockslides. Conditions are changing as roads are reopening, but high water is still affecting travel.
Approximately 2,300 Department of Highways personnel continue to monitor high water, clear snow, slides and debris, and assess road damage for repairs as floodwaters recede. Please give crews and emergency responders the time and space they need to work.
Extreme cold temperatures could present challenges as salt and other anti-icing materials become less effective. Wet or flooded roadways could freeze, creating additional hazards. Use caution if you must travel, take it slow and check GoKY.ky.gov to know before you go.
Kentuckians should adhere to warning signs, should not drive around barricades and should never drive through standing water.
Kentucky National Guard: Over 230 Kentucky guardsmen remain actively deployed to provide critical support where it’s still needed most. In Eastern Kentucky, guardsmen are focused on restoring road access in Leslie and Pike counties, as well as transporting critical supplies to include water, food and cleaning supplies in the areas that remain difficult to reach. The Guard remains committed to assisting these communities and others until recovery efforts are complete.
Kentucky State Police: Since the morning of Feb. 15, KSP telecommunicators have answered 14,866 calls for service. Many of these calls are transitioning from weather-related to standard emergency calls. As of this morning, troopers have responded to 149 non-injury crashes, 18 injury crashes, zero fatal crashes and 175 stranded motorist assists related to the snowstorm. State police continue to remind motorists to slow down and move over for first responders, plow drivers and tow trucks. To report a missing person, please contact your local KSP post. The KSP post phone numbers can be found here.
Fish and Wildlife: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife game wardens have been diligently focusing their efforts around Woodsman Creek and Freeburn in Pike County. In Woodsman Creek, Clintwood Coal Company cut a road through their property which allowed our game wardens to deliver essential supplies to 13 families. Today, in collaboration with the Red Cross, they will continue their dedicated service by delivering meals to areas that are currently impassable to normal vehicle traffic. They will utilize boats and off-road vehicles to deliver these meals. Both the Woodsman Creek and Freeburn areas are still in urgent need of food, supplies and water.
Power Outages: As of 10 a.m. Thursday, a reported 653 customers were without power. This is down from over 1,710 Kentuckians yesterday. The peak outage from these events was 43,124.
Drinking Water: As of 8 a.m. Thursday
Roughly 6,545 customers were without water.
45,645 customers were under boil water advisories.
All water systems were online, 21 systems were under limited operations.
Wastewater: As of 8 a.m. Thursday
Two wastewater systems were not operational.
25 wastewater systems were under limited operation.
12 wastewater plants were experiencing bypasses, and 14 systems with lift stations were reported as overflowing.
Skyview Funding: Gov. Beshear announced that $6 million from Kentucky’s Disaster Recovery Program is going to the Housing Development Alliance to build 32 homes at the Skyview high-ground neighborhood in Perry County. Flood survivors of the 2022 and 2025 floods are encouraged to go to HousingCantWait.org.
Major Disaster Declaration and FEMA: The Governor said he has applied to federal Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This would provide money for immediate needs for individuals who qualify, as well as more funds for longer-term individual recovery. The maximum grant award is $43,600. Gov. Beshear also sent a letter thanking Kentucky’s federal delegation for supporting his request to the President for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration. He said this federal assistance is essential for flood survivors to recover and rebuild.
State Funds: Gov. Beshear said his administration is already working with the state legislature to set up a pool of funding to help with long-term recovery efforts similar to the West Kentucky and East Kentucky State Aid for Funding for Emergencies, or SAFE, funds. Gov. Beshear said the first calls with legislators have gone well.
Kentucky State Parks: Currently, 218 people are being sheltered at four Kentucky State Parks:
Jenny Wiley: 109 adults, 39 children
Natural Bridge: 18 adults, nine children
Buckhorn Lake: 28 adults, 14 children
Cumberland Falls: One adult
The Governor said more rooms are open and available as needed.
Emergency Shelters: As of Thursday morning, 17 emergency shelters were helping those affected by the storms. Click here and navigate to the “Emergency Shelters” tab for an up-to-date list of shelter locations.
Rapid Needs Assessment: If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, please complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. These needs include: power is out or inconsistent; no heat or very little heat; individuals with medical needs or disabilities; no food or unable to cook; no or very little drinking water; unable to leave house due to weather or lack of transportation; phone issues; unable to leave vehicle; checking on a loved one; and more.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
For preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.
(Crystal Staley – Office Of Governor Andy Beshear)