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Louisville, KY – Emergency officials across Kentucky are urging residents to begin preparing today for potential ice storms this winter, emphasizing that freezing rain remains one of the state’s most dangerous cold-season threats. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), ice accumulation can quickly topple trees, damage powerlines, and force extended road closures across both urban and rural regions.
According to NOAA, even a light glaze of ice can overload weakened branches and create treacherous travel conditions along major corridors, including I-64, I-65, I-71, and the Bluegrass Parkway. Kentucky’s mix of suburban tree coverage and long rural stretches makes the state particularly vulnerable during freezing rain events. With fluctuating temperatures expected this week, officials say today is the best time to take winter safety steps.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should begin by trimming weak or damaged branches around their homes, sidewalks, and driveways. These limbs are typically the first to snap when ice builds up. NOAA also warns drivers not to lift windshield wipers before storms, as they can freeze to the glass and break; keeping them lowered and covered is recommended.
Families are encouraged to stock at least a week’s worth of non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential prescriptions. Ice storms can disrupt travel, isolate neighborhoods, and create outages that may last several days. Officials also advise residents not to park vehicles beneath trees, where ice-loaded limbs may fall unexpectedly.
To prepare for possible outages, emergency managers recommend fully charging phones, flashlights, power banks, and essential electronics today. Homeowners who rely on generators should safely store additional gasoline and run a test to ensure equipment works properly. Stocking rock salt or ice melt can also help prevent slip hazards around porches and walkways.
“Ice storms can be highly disruptive across Kentucky,” the NWS said. “Taking steps today is the best way to stay safe this winter.”
