Jackson County Emergency Operations reported, “Winter Storm Fern moved into Jackson County on Saturday bringing snow, freezing rain, and frigid cold. Preparations began early in the week for Emergency Management with meetings, phone calls, and planning.
Judge Executive Shane Gabbard signed a ‘Declaration of a Local State of Emergency’ which preemptively allows Emergency Management and the county to pursue any all necessary measures to respond to the disaster.
The Jackson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened Saturday morning at 08:00 am to monitor the storms impact as it occurred. The primary concern was never the snow but the possibility for ice accumulations followed by frigid temperatures. Accumulating ice always produces downed trees, power outages, and hazardous travel conditions.
Precipitation transitioned to freezing rain Saturday night into Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon, widespread power outages began occurring along with falling ice covered branches and trees. The southern end of Jackson County appears to have been the primary area impacted. Jackson County reached over 900 outages.
Staff from all county agencies deployed to assist. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office provided transport for Jackson Manor staff, conducted welfare checks, and delivered some supplies. Pond Creek F.D., Sand Gap F.D., Gray Hawk F.D., McKee F.D., McKee P.D., and off-duty Sheriff’s deputies mobilized as “cut and toss” crews anywhere trees fell.
With frigid temperatures directly behind the storm system and some power outages requiring days for repair, Jackson County Emergency Management coordinated with county partners to offer sheltering options for any citizens who may have been without power and alternate heat.
"We coordinated with Ashley Wagers and Dylan Harrison at Jackson County Public Library to open as a warming center. Pastor David Wilson and congregation at Annville Baptist Church offered their facility as a warming center Sunday until we could stand up an overnight shelter. We appreciate both Annville Baptist and the Jackson County Public Library for their willingness to meet community needs, especially during times of hardship. We spoke with JCPS Superintendent Renee Smith and we appreciate her support. Superintendent Smith offered to help in any way feasible and helped us coordinate a shelter location at Jackson County Middle School. Our partners at CAP (Christian Appalachia Project) staffed the shelter at JCMS. The warming centers and shelter were opened as an option without takers. Shelter staff and the warming centers remain on standby in case a need arises," reported Brody Keck (Director, Jackson County 911, Deputy, Jackson County Emergency Management)
Transport and supply missions continue at this time. Our EOC continues to monitor power outages and community needs with plans to close EOC operations on 1/27 or 1/28. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency calls, contact Jackson County Dispatch at 606-287-9979. For inquiries with the Jackson County EOC, contact 606-287-3838.”
State and County Emergency Declarations: On Friday, the Governor issued a state of emergency declaration, activating state resources to help protect Kentucky communities and families. The state’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated to Level 2, and emergency support functions staff are on standby and ready for increased activation.
On Saturday, Gov. Beshear announced via his social media that President Trump approved an emergency disaster declaration making federal aid immediately available. Today, the Governor clarified that is not individual assistance, but federal support to help the state respond.
Judge Shane Gabbard followed closely by declaring a State of Emergency for Jackson County on Friday as well.
The Jackson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated on Saturday morning at 08:00 am to monitor the storm as it occurred. Emergency Management opened the EOC to monitor the status of utilities, mainly power outages. In the event of a large and prolonged power outage, the EOC will coordinate opening shelter(s). The Jackson County Middle School was opened to serve as a Primary Shelter.
Jackson Emergency Management attended in person and virtual meetings with the National Weather Service (NWS Jackson Office), Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), County and State Road departments, local officials, first responders including law enforcement, EMS, and fire, and EOC staff. First responders were prepared to augment the road crews with tree debris removal if precipitation favors ice over snow. They also had plans in place to transport critical care workers (healthcare workers) to the county line if needed due to hazardous travel. They coordinated with state partners at KYEM about sheltering if it becomes necessary.
The role of the Jackson County EOC during the storm was to coordinate between local, state, and federal partners if needed to stand up shelters, open roads, obtain critical supplies, and support the public through the historic storm. Jackson County EMS planned to utilize 4x4 SUV’s for patient access. They relied heavily on volunteer firefighters and police officers as well for patient access and care.
Storms are incredibly taxing on the 911 system. In the event of an emergency, dial 911 by all means. An emergency is a life-threatening occurrence requiring immediate police, fire, or EMS assistance. For non-emergency calls and inquiries, residents were instructed to utilize the Jackson County Dispatch non- emergency line, 606-287-9979, or the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 606-287-3838. It is their mission to render aid to anyone in need, regardless of the weather.
On Tuesday morning Gov. Andy Beshear provided the latest update on the State’s response efforts to the weekend’s winter storm, along with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray and Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) Director Eric Gibson. Dangerously cold temperatures pose a threat to Kentuckians as an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. EST. Freezing temperatures will continue throughout the week.
“Kentuckians need to avoid being outdoors as much as possible as dangerously cold weather could cause frostbite or hypothermia in as little as 10 minutes,” said Gov. Beshear. “As for response efforts, we’ve made great progress thanks to folks being prepared but roadways are still very slick due to ice. We need everyone to drive slowly and have weather kits in your car. We’ve made it through the worst of this storm, and we need everyone to stay safe during the extreme cold this week.”
State highway crews have worked through the weekend, and many primary routes are now passable. Secondary routes remain a challenge as cold weather persists. Since Friday, state and contracted plow crews have tracked 670,000 miles, enough to circle the earth more than 26 times.
Snow, sleet and ice have moved out of Kentucky, but Gov. Beshear urged Kentuckians to continue to avoid travel and, if you must travel, slow down as crews treat slick roadways and temperatures remain dangerously low.
“This storm blanketed Kentucky with snow, sleet and ice for 36 hours straight and now dangerously low temperatures will continue,” said Gov. Beshear. “While the storm is moving out of Kentucky, we still need Kentuckians to remain alert, avoid travel and stay indoors as much as possible. Crews are working hard to treat roadways and restore power, but this was a statewide event, and these efforts will take time.”
Power Outages: There were 27,894 reported power outages as of 8 a.m. EST on Tuesday, down from around 73,590 at the height of outages on Sunday. Utility crews, with the assistance of neighboring cooperatives, contractors and resources from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, have worked 24/7 to restore power as quickly as possible.
Over 950 people sheltered in warming centers Monday night. Kentucky currently has 130 warming centers set up across the commonwealth for those facing an outage. To find a warming center near you, or if you need additional assistance, visit kyem.ky.gov.
JACKSON ENERGY
Jackson Energy reported that outages peaked on 1-25-26 at 11:30am, affecting 12,156 members. As of Tuesday morning, they reported 2,100 members still have outages.
Jackson Energy reported 21 Broken Poles so far; several which will require a track machine to access. The conditions have been brutal in regard to frigid temperatures; falling trees due to ice; road conditions remain treacherous. Jackson Energy also expressed appreciation for the following mutual aid: Southeast Power (Virginia), Salt River Electric (Kentucky), Davis H. Elliot, PraXel Line Services, PraXel Utility Services, and Kendall Vegetation Services. They reported that on Tuesday morning over 200 personnel were working in the field. They continued to have dispatch operators and member service representatives on call 24/7, working diligently and tirelessly to restore service.
Current Weather Conditions: While snow and ice have moved out of the state, Kentucky remained under an Extreme Cold Warning until 11 a.m. EST on Tuesday. The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to stay indoors as much as possible and limit outdoor exposure. Even 10-30 minutes outside could cause frostbite or hypothermia.
Dangerously cold temperatures are forecast to continue through this week. A cold weather advisory continues through tonight with dangerous wind chills for days to come.
These temperatures could result in hypothermia or frostbite in as little as 10 to 30 minutes, especially on Tuesday morning. Avoid spending time outside and keep pets inside.
Areas in Northern Kentucky received up to 12 inches of snow, with 4 to 6 inches across central areas of the state.
Ice accumulations were higher than expected and had the biggest impact, causing significant power outages and major impacts on roadways and overpasses.
The Governor said the hardest hit counties were Allen, Barren, Monroe and Pulaski, but every county has had major impacts in this statewide event.
“Thankfully, Kentuckians were prepared,” the Governor said. “This is our 15th major weather disaster. We know what to do, and the steps taken by everyone made a huge difference.”
Fatalities: A 72-year-old female in Whitley County passed away due to weather-related circumstances.
“We want this family to know our thoughts and prayers are with them,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky, please continue to check in on your neighbors and make sure folks have what they need to stay safe.”
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