A major winter storm is expected to impact Owensboro and much of western Kentucky beginning late Friday and continuing through the weekend, prompting emergency preparations from local, state, and utility officials.
Storm forecast and timing
The National Weather Service in Paducah said a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through Sunday, with confidence high that much of the region will receive 6 to 8 inches of snow, with some areas potentially seeing higher totals. The agency said the storm will likely bring heavy snowfall, blowing snow, hazardous road conditions, and dangerously cold temperatures, with the potential for sleet and freezing rain, particularly near the Tennessee border.
Forecasters said the heaviest snowfall is expected Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. Wind gusts up to 20 mph could cause blowing and drifting snow and reduce visibility, while bitter cold and arctic wind chills are expected to persist into next week.
State of emergency declared
In response to the storm, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide emergency Friday, citing the threat to public safety, travel, utilities, and critical infrastructure. The executive order authorizes the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to coordinate response efforts, mobilize resources, and restrict travel if necessary to protect the public.
Local law enforcement and road safety
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office said it will have additional units on duty throughout the storm and encouraged residents to follow trusted news sources for updates. Officials said anyone needing emergency assistance should dial 911.
Daviess County Fiscal Court reminded residents that snow plows need room to operate and asked drivers not to park on streets during the storm so crews can safely clear roadways.
Emergency preparedness and safety reminders
Daviess County Emergency Management urged residents to avoid travel if possible and to prepare emergency kits for both homes and vehicles. Officials recommended including items such as blankets, extra clothing, non-perishable food and water, flashlights with extra batteries, medications, baby supplies, pet food, phone chargers, and tools like ice scrapers, jumper cables, and shovels.
Officials said motorists should never touch or drive over downed power lines and should assume all fallen lines are live. If a power line falls on a vehicle, drivers are urged to stay inside and call 911.
White Flag shelter activated
With dangerously cold temperatures forecast, a White Flag event has been activated beginning Monday, Jan. 26, through Sunday, Feb. 1. The National Weather Service said temperatures or wind chills are expected to be at or below 32 degrees during that period.
The overnight emergency shelter will operate at the Daniel Pitino Shelter, located at 501 Walnut Street, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night. The shelter will be open to men, women, and children.
Free transportation to the shelter will be provided Monday through Friday by the Owensboro Transit System between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., though riders must inform the driver they are going to the White Flag Shelter. The shelter does not provide transportation. Meals will be served during regularly scheduled meal hours.
The White Flag program is coordinated by Daviess County Emergency Management and the Homeless Coalition of Ohio Valley, with support from Daviess County Fiscal Court, the City of Owensboro, and participating shelters.
Utility providers urge preparation
Owensboro Municipal Utilities encouraged customers to sign up for its free interactive text alert system to report outages and receive updates. OMU said customers can text keywords such as “Out” to report an outage or “Status” to check outage information.
Kenergy reminded members to follow generator safety practices during power outages. Officials warned residents never to plug a generator directly into a wall outlet, a practice known as backfeeding, which can send electricity back into utility lines and pose a deadly risk to line workers. Kenergy said a licensed professional should install a transfer switch to safely connect generators.
Atmos Energy said it is monitoring the storm and positioning technicians across its system to ensure reliable natural gas service. The company encouraged customers to activate text alerts and follow safety guidance throughout the storm.
Atmos officials reminded residents that colder temperatures may increase natural gas usage and bills and encouraged energy conservation. Recommendations included setting thermostats to 68 degrees during the day and lower when away, never using ovens or gas stoves to heat homes, inspecting gas piping and appliances, keeping vents clear, and removing snow from gas meters using a broom or brush rather than hard tools.
Conexon Connect said ice, wind, and falling tree limbs could damage fiber lines and disrupt internet service. The company said restoration may be delayed if conditions are unsafe and reminded customers that power must be restored before internet service can be repaired.
Transportation and roadway conditions
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said District 11 snowfighters are prepared for the storm and will prioritize interstates, parkways, and major highways. Officials warned that multiple plow passes may be required and urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel and to pack emergency kits if travel is unavoidable. Road conditions and updates are available at SnowKY.ky.gov.
Officials across agencies emphasized that preparedness is key and encouraged residents to slow down, stay informed, and give emergency crews and utility workers plenty of room to operate during the storm.
