LEXINGTON, Ky. – Mayor Linda Gorton has officially declared a state of emergency for Lexington, effective Friday and lasting through Tuesday morning. This declaration activates the city’s emergency operations center and imposes a ban on parking along designated snow emergency routes.
The announcement came during a press briefing focused on preparations for an imminent severe winter storm, which is predicted to bring significant snowfall, sleet, ice, and dangerously low temperatures. Governor Andy Beshear had earlier issued a similar state of emergency for the entire state of Kentucky.
Mayor Gorton emphasized the importance of this emergency declaration in enabling residents to effectively cope with the expected adverse weather conditions. “This emergency declaration will allow us to take the necessary steps to help our residents handle the weather we are expecting,” she stated.
With the emergency in place, the city’s emergency services will operate on a 24-hour schedule through Tuesday morning. The parking ban on snow emergency routes is crucial for ensuring that city crews can clear roads efficiently and first responders can operate safely during the storm.
Residents are advised to remain indoors if possible, and Gorton urged community members to prepare early, assist neighbors, and stay safe. City department heads provided updates on their respective weather response plans, illustrating a comprehensive approach to managing the storm’s impact.
The Director of Streets and Roads, Rob Allen, indicated that city crews would continue to pre-treat major roads and that additional contract assistance is available. There is also a focus on maintaining accessibility in downtown areas ahead of a major University of Kentucky basketball game scheduled for Saturday.
Kentucky Utilities and American Water are on high alert, with crews ready to respond to potential service outages and utility issues resulting from the storm. Meanwhile, the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has activated its Emergency Winter Weather Plan to ensure vulnerable populations have access to necessary shelter and resources.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has also initiated its Winter Care Program to provide vital support services during this extreme weather event, including transportation help for healthcare workers and welfare checks for at-risk residents.
As part of efforts to relieve parking congestion in downtown areas, LexPark is offering free parking at various garages from Saturday morning until early Tuesday.
While the storm poses challenges, local authorities are mobilized, demonstrating a proactive stance to keep the public safe and supported. The city remains optimistic that through community cooperation and preparedness, residents can weather this storm together.